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He has fallen several times and needs assistance with most activities.

I don’t know how it works in USA except knowing medical care is generally better in US than in Canada.
But when it comes to provide support for caregivers it is here through home care agency (govt) for which senior or persons with disabilities has lots of resources. For free, but not really as we paid lots of taxes, higher than in US.
My husband has Parkinson’s as well and for now he gets help with showers, person coming to help with exercises, respite, day programs with taxi picking him up and bringing him home.
Now as his Parkinson’s is advancing he can get 35 hours of help a week strictly for caregiving, we haven’t used that yet.
Day or night, help with morning dressings or nighttime routine.
And if I need him to go to respite stay they will provide one at $70 per night.
He is also approved for transportation i.e. taxis for appointments which he never used.
I am saying this because it is extremely important to have that extra layer of help.
Stress of taking care of person with PD is immense.
I also have several friends to take him for appointments from time to time, I repay them by taking them to lunch or dinner etc.
It really takes a village.
Right now he was diagnosed with Parkinsonism which is worse aka Parkinson plus which could be MSA, PSP, LBD, although dementia was eliminated. But sooner or later meds will not work well anymore as they already are less effective.
Things will get worse, much worse.
When? Nobody knows.
But it is important to have plan A, B and C.
Dianne,
You need to find help, family, friends, maybe local people who can help. Advertise?
I have PT semi retired caregivers who will do several hours here andvthere.
Simple fact is you cannot do it alone.
Also make plan if something happens to you. I have arrangements made through SW if I need to go to hospital my husband will be taken by ambulance as well and either stay in hospital as social admit or home care agency will find him facility.
You can always PM me if you need support.
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Reply to Evamar
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How long have you been caregiving for your husband 24/7?? That's a lot Dianne. Too much, IMHO. You deserve and need a break and some "me" time. Find a local company that does eldercare and get out of the house. You have to take care of yourself too. Best of luck.
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Reply to againx100
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I had an agency in Maryland that would staff with a 3 hour minimum. I usually called them 2 or 3 days in advance.

It is better to hire an agency on a pattern, i.e. 8:00 am- noon every Wed morning and you
do your activities then.

I found generally 8am - 2:00 pm M-F could be easily staffed by the agencies as they
had the Mom's who had kids working those hours.
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Reply to brandee
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Does he have a church family?
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Reply to jwellsy
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Not unless you hire on the help. And it is hard to get help that will work minimal and unknown hours. I wish you the best. Do know that most agencies require minimums such as three days a week four hours a day. And most people need hard and fast times and hours of the day in order to be certain their own schedules can sustain their financial needs.

Good luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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