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Djcwhite Asked April 2016

What is the best way to find someone to stay with my parents overnight?

My parents are 90 and 84 this summer. They both use walkers to get around. I live right next door and have been doing all.most all care myself. We don't need medical care. I am their p pa as well. If not already there then I am close to burn out and I need someone there so I can sleep at night. They could watch tv, study or sleep. All I need is someone who would call me if.they fell or needed me. They don't fall often and my husband picks them up if they do. I feel I could rest and regroup if I could sleep knowing there was someone to call me. Right now I am up five or six nights to check for lights and some nights don't sleep at all. They don't want to bother me. I may not need. It for very long. It has just been since October 2014 that I have been doing this. Thanks for any suggestions you can give.

Djcwhite Apr 2016
Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I did get them to agree to wearing the alert bracelets and we should have them here on Monday. There were not happy about someone staying overnight with them, and I told them how much I was worrying at night. So we finally came to an agreement today and ordered them. I really appreciated this web site and all the help. Blessings to all. Debbie

Sunnygirl1 Apr 2016
Djcwhite, I think I might have to insist that they help with the situation and wear the alert button. Explain how the uncertainty is hurting you every night and it's not a suggestion. I'd look into how the button might work, but it does have limitations, so a person might be a better option. I would go with an agency as the person has been screened and you have backup if they become ill or just cancel at the last minute. If they have the funds, it might be a wise investment.

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freqflyer Apr 2016
Djcwhite, my parents were the same way about the medic alert pendent. When my parent's primary doctor recommended one, Dad said "that's for old people".... guess my parents would buy one when both reached 100 instead of being 93 and 97 at the time :P

Djcwhite Apr 2016
That would be an excellent idea as the lowest price I have found so far is $96 a night. But my parents believe that those make them handicapped and they are too proud. Maybe I can just get them each one for Mother's and Father's Day. I'll have to look into that. Thanks!

freqflyer Apr 2016
Djc, would your parents wear a medical alert type of pendent? That way, if one of them fell, your Dad and/or Mom could just push the button on the pendent and the alert would go to the alert company.... then the company could call you to tell you someone fell, etc.

And if your parents decide to use the button for other things non-medically necessary, the company could filter through those calls.

gladimhere Apr 2016
A year and a half is a long time to worry about them through the night. Call a reputable agency to fine someone to spend the night with them. The agencies charge more is the caregiver has to be awake vs being able to sleep. And if they are allowed to sleep you need to provide a place for that which can be an easy chair even. How many overnight hours do you need? Twelve or eight maybe six? Just the hours that you need to sleep? Or do you want that quiet cup of coffee in the morning before having to deal with what is going on next door? How long have they been living next door to you?

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