I'm a very active person, and I recently had to schedule hip-replacement surgery. Unfortunately, the doctor's surgery schedule was such that I had to wait 8 months for a surgery date. During that time, I went from limping to walking only with intense pain, resulting in my using a wheelchair to navigate any but the shortest walks (trips to the bathroom or kitchen). It became increasingly necessary to find help for daily activities like washing & folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, bending down to feed the dog, taking out trash, etc. Giving in to the need, I called Home Instead, whom I'd used a number of years ago for help when my mother fell and broke her arm and several vertebrae. Home Instead was excellent then and were equally excellent in finding me two caregivers to assist before & after my hip replacement.
Elaine was assigned to me pre-surgery and also assisted me following my surgery for a period of time until I was stable enough to be on my own again - about 6 months in all. Elaine seems to be a natural caregiver. She had such strong intuition that I often didn't have to say a word. For example, as I prepared to stand while seated in my wheelchair, she quietly positioned herself behind me to ensure I remembered to set the brakes and that I stood carefully. She would note when it was time for me to take medication and brought it to me with a glass of water. She was a quiet companion who blended into my lifestyle without intruding. It's difficult to imagine a better caregiver.
Rita was an occasional caregiver for me during this time and was especially significant immediately following my surgery when I needed 24/7 care for a period following surgery, but she also filled in on the few times Elaine wasn't available. She's intuitive, companionable, and very skilled - a great caregiver and real pleasure to have in my home. She called on her experience to assist me, especially immediately following my surgery to assist me in moving my leg (into and out of bed, to and from potty breaks, etc.). She was skilled, friendly, and competent - a delight to be around.
In short, I can't imagine a better home care provider than Home Instead. Looking at a few reviews that are posted from previous years, I wonder if they were even working with the same company I was. read more