My husband, when I worked, had to go to a nursing home because of not being able to walk ccaused by nuscle infection, etc. When he was in the hospital, he finally realized that he needed to go for my sake. We had no help at home and I had to go home to check on him and give him lunch during my planning hour at school. He stayed two months or so getting physical therapy and finally got to walking again and came home. Until he realized to make it easier on me I did not know what to do except pray. Our familes were in another state.

This past year has been the hardest. He was constantly falling and being the stubborn man that he is he was putting himself in danger by not using his walker or wheelchair. He fell into two different windows and broke them one when I was not at home. He took my car with no drivers license. He would take off in his power chair and ended up crashing it several times and injuring himself. He is beginning to have delusional thoughts. The list goes on. The final injury came in November very innocently. He was getting a drink of water, fell and the glass broke severing everything in his right hand including an artery. If I had not been home he would have bled out. We are still relatively young he is 68, I am 64. We have been dealing with this for over 30 years and as difficult as it is and believe me I do have days of guilt I can’t take care of him any longer.

How did you know when it wasn’t safe for your husband to be at home anymore

We are in assisted living with a connected skilled nursing facility so as soon as he needs additional care it is covered. Check if there is a "Care Patrol" where you live. No fees( they are paid by facility where you are placed) and they go with you to see options. I have to dress him, socks and shoes, button long sleeved shirt( my hands have RA.) keep in touch. Jean