Hospital Bed At Home

[Thisoldbird]

It's looking like we may have to have a hospital bed at home when my husband is discharged from hospital.

We already changed from double to singles which is fine but they are both against a wall. Hospital bed will need to allow nurses/ carers to use both side of bed..our second very tiny bedroom is already crammed with other equipment he needs.

Before anyone down sizes make sure you keep this sort of situation in mind.
At this rate I'll be sleeping in the shed!!
I'm normally such an organised person I'm hating this disruption.
The other option is go into care. I really haven't the heart to do that to him. It's like turning someone out of there home.

This isnt a question just me rambling on a sleepless night of worry.

[naomi24]

For what it's worth I have twice put a hospital bed in a living area. If you can manage to gravitate between your bedroom (maybe put a television in there?) and your kitchen when he wants to rest, I think it's nice for the patient to have company rather than be confined to a bedroom. I hated the thought of leaving them alone in a bedroom for much of the day - so I didn’t. They were always part of the household. Try not to worry. You'll do your best I'm sure and soon settle into a routine. Much love, x

[dannyk13]

Looking at the following Carers Allowance is not as straight forward as it seems.
https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/eligibility

[Sqad]

danny......true, but CA is means tested.

[THECORBYLOON]

Carer's Allowance is NOT means-tested but there is an average weekly earnings limit, currently £132 or less a week after deductions for tax, National Insurance and expenses.

[Sqad]

//////is an average weekly earnings limit, currently £132 or less a week after deductions for tax, ////

That to my simple mind IS means tested.

[THECORBYLOON]

Means-tested includes income such as savings and the payable rates of benefit are reduced on a sliding scale according to the level of savings.

With Carer's Allowance, a millionaire earning less than £132 a week could get the benefit.

[Sqad]

Corby...right.

[Thisoldbird]

I'm mid 80s, on a state pension, means no carers allowance payable.

At this stage my husband won't be spending day time in bed.

A friend has today offered space in her brick garage to store a few things.
I'm sure we will get there eventually but I do hate the idea of carers in and out, no privacy, or very little. Thanks for your input everyone. It helps to get others opinions on a situation.
If my body could do what it used to do I'd sail through the coming months instead of dreading it.

[Patsy33]

Glad your friend has helped out with some storage. That should help. You can only do your best. x

[choux]

It is amazing what the human body is capable of when the focus is caring for a loved one, old bird. It is obvious from what you have written that you care so much for your OH and I feel that with sufficient help and support you will cope. Let those who will be calling into your home do as much as they can to ease your work load. Thank goodness for the help of nice neighbours and friends.

The idea of losing one's feeling of home being a sanctuary, having to accept the invasion of callers at all times is one I would not relish.

It is good to read that OH will be able to spend time at home out of bed and this should help to bring a sense of normality back to your home life. x

[Thisoldbird]

Thank you choux. Weve been married almost 64 years. I'm not about to give up on him now.

I just want what's best for him, in what time we have left.

[choux]

Good morning oldbird. Have been thinking of you a lot. Has your husband come home yet? I hope you are doing ok, it can be such a lot of hard work let alone the constant worry. x

[Thisoldbird]

Hi choux no sadly my husband is still in hospital..he had a nasty fall on the ward last week that's set him back a lot. Today he was very sleepy and in pain..home is a long way off I'm sad to say.

X

[choux]

So sorry to read that, old bird. Sometimes you just have to wonder why. I hope his pain is under control sooner rather than later.

Neither of you deserve a set back like that. I admire your stamina and determination to continue through all of this. Please take care of yourself x

[Thisoldbird]

Just an update,
I've no need to worry about a hospital bed at home.. my husband won't be coming home. He seemed to be getting on ok, walking to the bathroom with a frame and a nurse.
Then had a fall on the ward. Since then he has developed another septic chest infection. His mobility nil, he can't stand. We have open visiting..he is very very poorly.
He is being cared for on a ward with the loveliest of nurses and Doctor.
Yesterday was very emotional

Thank you all for your comments.

[choux]

Dear old bird, I am so sorry and saddened to read that. You must be beside yourself with worry. I came to this thread yesterday evening to check for any update as I have done each day.

I do hope you have someone who is supporting you for it can be so difficult to cope on your own and you must be feeling lonely at home. It is not easy to keep visiting a loved one in hospital and keeping a brave face on the situation especially as you and your husband have been together for so long.

Sending you my warmest wishes for both of you. I keep you in my prayers x

[murraymints]

oh dear so sorry to read that you have suffered a knockback in OH's recovery..sending you my very best wishes... I sincerely hope you are getting all the support you need at this difficult time xx

[ducksie]

Old Bird I am so sorry to read of your beloved husband's setback, I've been following your thread and I am only happy to read he is in the good care of the hospital staff and that you take this time to get all the support you can too. Thoughts are with you both right now xx Ducks

[naomi24]

So very sorry to read that, old bird. Heartening though that he has kind people caring for him. Take care of yourself. Much love to you. X

[choux]

Good morning, old bird. I do hope your husband is feeling better than he was with that chest infection. I hope you managed to enjoy some of the Jubilee programmes which, no doubt, would bring back some happy memories for you. Sending you my best wishes, as ever x