Good God man! A nursing home has to be your absolute last option.
Nursing homes are breeding grounds for pressure sores and antibiotic
resistant bacteria. They are understaffed and their help is underpaid
which leads to the worst possible care. I am a high-level quad -- I
can only use part of my left arm and that is very weak. I live alone
in the old family homestead. I have helped during the day but at
night I am totally alone. I have two lifeline buttons -- in case one
doesn't work -- but otherwise I am alone. I know there is at least
one other high-level quad on this list that also lives alone. Yes, it
can be very scary but I prefer to be alternatives.
Some of your alternatives -- besides the nursing home -- are, if you
have the room, getting a live-in aide. You could provide him or her
with free room and board providing they assist you during the night
if need be. Of course, you could end up with an angel or a devil.
Also, I had a quad friend level 5/6 who lived in an apartment
complex. It was built for the elderly and disabled. He was the only
disabled one in the complex but he made friends with many of the
other residents. At night he was alone so he kept his door open and
was able to call for help during the night if he had to.
The other option we have in this area is a housing complex strictly
for the disabled. It has 24 apartments. Everyone has their own PCA's
and they also have a shared PCA for the nighttime. Not a really bad
option but it is very clicky.
So those are my options. Keep us informed on your choices and/or decisions.
Dan
At 05:16 PM 12/14/2009, Merrill said something that elicited my response:
Presently living in San Diego, California. My spinal injury is
C5. Single living is not an option with my level of
disability. As many other disabled quadriplegics, my income is a
base level even before paying for health care. So, how are others
here maintaining a quality of life.
Nursing home living has been avoided for the near 20 years of my
disability, but perhaps an acceptable facility would be an
option. I have considered a living situation with a caregiver,
other disabled person, or other person right for my needs.
