I'm now a full time caregiver

Don M.

Don M.

SF VIP
Location
central Missouri
A few days ago, my wife was hurrying down the basement steps, and took a nasty fall. We rushed to the hospital emergency room where the x-rays showed damage to her right shoulder socket, They bound her up with a heavy splint, and referred her to an orthopedic specialist. We went there a couple of days later, and he said that the socket is cracked, but won't require surgery...but she will have to wear a splint for several weeks, then begin therapy as the joint heals. We will be going back to see him next week, and probably several more times

My days are now consumed with caring for her, and doing the household chores. She now sleeps in my big recliner, so she doesn't roll over and cause further damage. I'm now becoming a full time nurse, housekeeper, cook, and hygiene "assistant". At least now, she is feeling better where I can get out for an hour or so to make a quick trip to the store, etc. This Spring and Summer is going to be a "day by day" event.

DO NOT rush up or down steps/stairs! Falls are a major reason for injuries/disabilities among seniors.
 

Well done Don, your wife is in good hands, I believe,
I hope that the repair comes along quickly, you will
know, when she starts telling you what to do!

I hope that you stay healthy for the duration.

For all oldies, banisters along the sides of stairs, are
there, for a reason, use them.

Mike.
 
Don M. said:
A few days ago, my wife was hurrying down the basement steps, and took a nasty fall. We rushed to the hospital emergency room where the x-rays showed damage to her right shoulder socket, They bound her up with a heavy splint, and referred her to an orthopedic specialist. We went there a couple of days later, and he said that the socket is cracked, but won't require surgery...but she will have to wear a splint for several weeks, then begin therapy as the joint heals. We will be going back to see him next week, and probably several more times

My days are now consumed with caring for her, and doing the household chores. She now sleeps in my big recliner, so she doesn't roll over and cause further damage. I'm now becoming a full time nurse, housekeeper, cook, and hygiene "assistant". At least now, she is feeling better where I can get out for an hour or so to make a quick trip to the store, etc. This Spring and Summer is going to be a "day by day" event.

DO NOT rush up or down steps/stairs! Falls are a major reason for injuries/disabilities among seniors.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the club, friend!

Believe me, I know exactly what you're going through.
 
You're entering a whole new world, Don! You might discover hidden talents.

When I fell down the stairs and broke my leg in two places, my husband had to find out things like where the vacuum was kept and how to work the appliances.

However, his laundry skills proved to be awesome, my underwear folded into Triscuit sized squares and lined up like Marie Kondo had done it -- when the rehab woman saw it she was so overcome she forgot to hold onto my belt and I fell back on the bed.

Best of luck to both of you!
 
Don M. said:
A few days ago, my wife was hurrying down the basement steps, and took a nasty fall. We rushed to the hospital emergency room where the x-rays showed damage to her right shoulder socket, They bound her up with a heavy splint, and referred her to an orthopedic specialist. We went there a couple of days later, and he said that the socket is cracked, but won't require surgery...but she will have to wear a splint for several weeks, then begin therapy as the joint heals. We will be going back to see him next week, and probably several more times

My days are now consumed with caring for her, and doing the household chores. She now sleeps in my big recliner, so she doesn't roll over and cause further damage. I'm now becoming a full time nurse, housekeeper, cook, and hygiene "assistant". At least now, she is feeling better where I can get out for an hour or so to make a quick trip to the store, etc. This Spring and Summer is going to be a "day by day" event.

DO NOT rush up or down steps/stairs! Falls are a major reason for injuries/disabilities among seniors.
Click to expand...
And it can happen any time out of the blue. After an elbow and a wrist break I'm more careful.
It's hard on the caregiver and I know it's appreciated. 😇
 
Della said:
You're entering a whole new world, Don! You might discover hidden talents.

When I fell down the stairs and broke my leg in two places, my husband had to find out things like where the vacuum was kept and how to work the appliances.

However, his laundry skills proved to be awesome, my underwear folded into Triscuit sized squares and lined up like Marie Kondo had done it -- when the rehab woman saw it she was so overcome she forgot to hold onto my belt and I fell back on the bed.

Best of luck to both of you!
Click to expand...
Thongs?
 
That's a huge and extremely sudden change for both of you, Don.
And very challenging, I know first-hand. Especially since the sudden 'caregiver' is older too, and has limitations we didn't once have.

I'm sure you know that you have to prioritize, and then take one task at a time.
And try to do things to maintain your strength as well as hers.
 
I broke my upper arm near the shoulder and didn't have to have surgery, just a sling and physical therapy. It took a couple of months to heal. I fell over a box in one of our bedrooms. My husband had to take over the household duties and I told him what to do. He did a good job but was glad when I could take over.

Sorry about your wife. I hope she mends quickly. Best wishes to you and your wife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top