Should I put my father in Nursing Home? (Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry: ferry, vacation)

[NeedDirection10701]

Hello Everyone.

I need help/direction.

My father has COPD, his oxygen level is 3. He is on Oxygen all the time. My mother has been the primary care-taker of him. She has been HOSPITALIZED with an E-coli infection. The doctors just informed us that SHE NEEDS OPEN HEART SURGERY.

I have been taking care of him for a while, 24/7. I am about to run out of my vacation time.

This bring me to the issue.

I am the primary earner of the household. My wife is starting her business ( which has been on hold for few days).There are 2 teenagers and 1 young fellow. We also got a new "big" puppy dog.

I have three options:-

1) I can take him to my place.

2) Health Aide.

3) Nursing Home.

Please give me your suggestion and reasoning behind it.

Thanks and God bless everyone.

[WrenGrebe]

I think the answer will depend on what he (or you) can afford. We recently moved my mother-in-law to Brightview Tarrytown because of physical issues and dementia. We are very happy with Brightview, but it is fairly expensive (about $9,00 a month). Interestingly, it is much less expensive than the in-home care she was getting, but I guess that makes sense because the in-home care was 24/7, one-on-one. The in-home care was costing $3,600 a week/$14,400 a month. The other factor for us was that the in-home caregiver was completely handling her finances and we feel more comfortable taking control of that. Having your father in your home will be a lot of work (but I don't need to tell you that), but could be a considerable savings.

[tpwpny]

Nursing home, if you have the means. My father had a stroke last year, as well as some other issues. He was bounced around a lot between rehab, senior care, and home care. I can relate to your stresses. Home care seems convenient but if you aren't home and the care is only every few days, you will need to tend to your father in between. And seems to me there is always a shortage of home nurses.

A good nursing home, that your father likes, will ease your burden. Mine did stints at Andrus-on-Hudson in Dobbs Ferry and Cabrini in Hastings. Cabrini is a very nice home although he liked Andrus better.

If things get tough, try to contact senior services of Westchester County and they can advise you on options.