Personal stories about putting a relative in a nursing home after his or her stroke
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
Sophia, age 66: I had always told myself that I would never put my husband, Jorge, in a nursing home, and I kept him at home as long as I possibly could after his stroke. But he never seemed to recover from his disabilities. He couldn't go to the bathroom on his own or feed or dress himself. My bad back made it impossible for me to help him. I was afraid I would end up in a hospital myself with no one to turn to for help with Jorge. I just didn't feel I had a choice. I visit him every afternoon, and we watch our favourite shows.
Joanne, age 51: My husband and I thought about putting my mom in a nursing home, but we've decided to keep her here with us for now. We visited several different facilities, but we couldn't find one nearby that we felt comfortable with. If my mom were in a nursing home, I would probably spend so much more time worrying about her that it just wouldn't be worth it. Fortunately, we can afford to hire some part-time help so that we have time for work and other activities. I'm not sure we could keep doing this without that help.
Bob, age 49: My dad had a stroke about a year ago. For most of the time since then, he's been living with my wife and me and our kids. Taking care of him is a lot of work, and we don't have any other family nearby who can help out. And with our jobs and the kids and other responsibilities, we just can't give him the level of attention he needs. I think he'll get better care in a nursing home than we can give him here.
Edith, age 65: As long as Howell doesn't develop any complications or have another stroke, I plan to keep him at home with me. He's doing fairly well, and our kids live nearby and help out a lot. Every Saturday, one of them comes and gives me an entire day off to myself. But some days it's really hard, and I think to myself, “Will I have the strength to do this in another 5 years?" He's still my husband, though, and I know he would do the same thing for me if the shoe were on the other foot. I just wouldn't feel right letting other people take care of him.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: October 19, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology Richard D. Zorowitz, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation | |
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