HI. I just wanted to say that working with "A Place for Mom" has been a very positive and enlightening experience. My representative "Heidi" has been great through all of this. When my world came crashing down on me a few weeks ago, she was there to offer her services, advise, and compassion. Now after much soul searching and trying to do what is best for my parents, especially my "MOM", we have decided to use the services of a home caregiver company. They are called "Seniorhelpers" and have just been great. They are scheduled to start working on Friday, and I hope, within a short period of time, that my life can return to some normalcy........if you call your Mom having Alzheimer's normal. It is very hard and devastating to watch her deteriorate right before your eyes, and even harder to have my father watch her. How can you tell someone who has shared the last 58 years of their life together that this disease will worsen, she will never get better, and eventually she may have a long, hard period before she passes away. There will be no peace for this woman because this horrible disease does not allow you to ever be at peace. It constantly frustrates you because you know what you want to say, and by the time to try to say it, you no longer can find the words to speak them....and you forget basic functions....which is hard because it can and even does stripe a person's dignity.
Make sure that when you check you a home health care company that you really, really check them out. The person should be willing to come to your home to look at and even evaluate the patient, to be able to see her makes all the difference in the world. This company is bring in a geriatric nurse to evaluate my mom, and to make a plan of care for her. The most important is that she is well taken care of, that all her needs are meet, and that she is kept clean and happy. Remember also to take it seriously because this is someone who is coming into your home for a few hours a day, several days a week, taking care of your loved one or possibly both of your parents and you need to make sure that you are always available to them. You need to also make sure that you periodically stop it during their scheduled times so that you can see how they interact with your parents.
This has been a difficult few months for my family, but, with time and effort and alot of phone calls, and of course, lots of attention from "A Place for Mom" rep, I can truly say that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Make sure you do your research, and also, assisted living facilities can be a good place to get references for a home health care aide. Good luck to everyone in your search. I wish you all well.
Jinx