Taking my husband home

I am seeking moral support in regard to taking my husband home from hospital for palliative care. In short, he is 80 years old, has enjoyed fine health until three years ago, when he had a series of seizures, which gradually affected his mobility and speech. Four weeks ago he had another seizure, and was taken to hospital, where two days later he suffered a severe setback. However, he weathered the crisis, and for the last two weeks has been in the CCU unit in a hospital. There seems no reason for him to remain in hospital, but it is an uphill battle to get him home. Many of the staff believe he would be best in a nursing home.

My daughter printed off your website for me, and I'm looking for any support. My husband worked at a large manufacturing company for 40 years. Now we are living close to our daughter so we can support each other, as her husband has cancer.

Is home care still so much in its infancy that we must fight for getting our loved ones home?? (Spring 2006)

Thanks so much for your e-mail... We are so sorry to hear about your husband's ill health. It sure sounds as though he is a strong man who has been fighting hard to get better, but his frequent seizures are terrible setbacks. I see from your e-mail that the CCAC is already involved so you have tapped into the system. I don't know if your husband is considered palliative because if he is, the CCAC should be able to offer some additional hours of care. I don't know if you have any additional insurance because if so, you might want to purchase some additional hours of care to support you in being the major caregiver. If your husband worked at a large manufacturing company, I would suggest you call the Human Resources department to see if there is any kind of extra support.

There are many OHCA members in your area who would be more than happy to help you in any way they can.