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I've talked to a number of care-giving companies, but the minimum I've found is four hours, once a week. I don't need that much time off, but after five years of 24 hour care for my husband I do need a little respite!
I know that I am very lucky--my husband stays in a good mood almost all the time. He sleeps/dozes a lot which gives me plenty time to read. And I love being with him. We never had children, so we're really all each other has. But having to take him along when I have doctor/dentist visits is complicated because he gets anxious if i'm not in his sight. So I either have to ask a neighbor to come along and keep him calm, or I bring him into the examination room. And I would love an occasional brunch with a friend.

Is there an Adult Day Program in your area?
You could arrange 1 or 2 days a week. I know that is more than you are looking for but trust me when I say having a bit more time to yourself is heaven! You will be amazed at what you can do and how rejuvenated you will feel. It is like a mini vacation.

Would your husband qualify for Hospice? If so you would get in addition to a Nurse 1 time a week and a CNA 2 times a week you could request a Volunteer that could come when you wanted for up to 4 hours. (they can do no "hands on care")

If you are in an area with a Senior Service Center you can ask if they have programs that would provide a Volunteer or if he/you might qualify for any programs they have that would provide a caregiver.

Some Community Colleges have CNA certification courses you can contact the college and see if any students would do a "Companion" sitting job a day or two a month. Any student that is in a program like that will be doing clinical work in a facility so they have all been background checked.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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For that small amount of time I would see if you could pay that neighbor to stay with him in your home. At least he's familiar with that person. Maybe your neighbor could take him out for a drive while you're out at your appointment or getting a break, distracting him will probably be helpful.

I agree with others that agencies often will have minimums, and paid aids have more clout because of the labor shortage. I've hired through agencies and this is how it is anymore.

Otherwise check with Care.com.

"...he gets anxious if i'm not in his sight" -- this is called Shadowing and is a common dementia behavior. You may want to consider meds for his anxiety and agitation. My Aunt had advanced dementia and she went through a phase of shadowing that was pretty intense, constantly calling for her sister (whom she lived with). She was just in the next room most of the time.

You may need to work on getting him "familiar" with minders because you will need more and more time for yourself. This is the only way you will avoid burnout.

I'm hoping you have your own legal ducks in a row... there's much to think about if you have no adult children. You must have your own assigned PoA and a plan in place for your husband's care if something happens to you.

I wish you success in getting all the breaks you need and peace in your heart on this journey.
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Reply to Geaton777
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Have you researched adult day cares where you drop him off for 4 or 8 hours?
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Reply to MACinCT
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Brandee again..

It is easier to get the 9- noon block covered vs. 2-5. The agencies in my area have a lot of working Mom's available before 2.
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Reply to brandee
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In my area, rural Maryland, some agencies have a 3 hour minimum once a week. Most have a 4 hour minimum once a week. They prefer to schedule the same time each week. It is easier to get the 8:30 am - 1:30ish window schedule as they have a lot of working Mom's with young children.
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Reply to brandee
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I agree with above . . . most care places require 4 hour minimum 3 days a weeks. If you can find only 4 minimum, that's surprising, unless it's a private party.
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Reply to RMJ1977
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Take the 4 hours a week and do for yourself.
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Reply to brandee
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I agree, take the 4 hrs a week. I am sure you can find something to do. Go walk around Walmart. Meet a friend for coffee.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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You found one four hours once a week?
GRAB that. And set the person to work for those hours you don't "need" but would surely enjoy. Light housekeeping, so on.
Most Agencies have minimums of four hours a day three days a week. You might understand that people don't hire out as baby sitters, really. They need solid predictable hours to support themselves.
Give Care.com a try. Go to NextDoor. Go to any "Village" organizations near you which have volunteers. Ask at Senior centers which often have van pick up, transport to in facility care, mean, BP check, games and so on. Or might give pointers.
Call your local council or Agency on Aging for pointers. Ask doctor and personnel in the office for some options.

It was so much easier when we had local newspapers with ads, but we don't so much now and it's more difficult.
Wishing you the best of luck.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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