Looking for advice on finding a caregiver in NE AR.

[MaryM]

Anyone have creative ideas on how to find a caregiver for my 93 y/o Dad who is in Cherokee Village, AR? I have tried churches, local people in the medical profession etc. etc. etc. I did find one gal who has been helping since December but she has a "personal problem every week, I kid you not, that means she is calling frequently with excuses and reason why she can't be there. He does have some HOme Health care and hospice for about an hour each day but I need to find someone who can come in for meals and a general check-up when they aren't there. Moving him to be with us isn't suggested by the doc. Guess I need some general advice on "where" To look. My Dad is a jovial, easy going guy but ill with cancer and has no memory, sleeps a great deal. He needs people interaction though, I think! Any advice is most welcome. Sorry if I sound distressed but today has been the straw that broke the camels back...

Thanks,
Mary

[Jackie in AR]

Anyone have creative ideas on how to find a caregiver for my 93 y/o Dad who is in Cherokee Village, AR?

Mary,

I have family who lives within 25 or 30 miles of there.

I'll inquire of them to see if they know of anyone who might be able to help, then I'll send you a private message.

Bless your heart! It is so difficult when our parents are aging and ill.

Jackie

[MaryM]

Oh, Jackie, thank you so very much for this! I truly appreciate it.

Mary

[kalanamak]

has no list of people? I find those people are more expensive, but "certified"....i.e. a background check has been made.

It is hard, I know.

[MaryM]

has no list of people? I find those people are more expensive, but "certified"....i.e. a background check has been made.

It is hard, I know.

Yes, I have gotten names from the"private sitter" list but all have had disconnected telephone numbers. Thank you for the suggestion though.

Mary

[kalanamak]

my folks retired in rural AR. My mother grew to call the locals "Arkies" and this was most notable for hired help that didn't show, repairs that took months, disconnected phones, and carpentry jobs abandoned half way through. She ended up, as I recall, with a Missourian contractor who did agree much of his business was crossing the border for this very reason.

Can your old Dad not move closer to relatives? It is a terrible worry when your frail beloved are left high and dry.

[MaryM]

Well, I have head those stories too but I must admit that I have found the majority of the people in this area to be extremely helpful and reliable. Guess I found the exception to that as well, huh? No, he can't move because all the docs think he is best off in his own home, in familiar surroundings and near friends (few left). He also couldn't tolerate the 8500ft altitude where we live and I'm an only child. So, it is a challenge. I am very grateful for the help that he does have but that is just an hour or less M-F. I am learning the real meaning of letting go and TRUST, I'll tell you. And also learning how to accept the graciousness of complete strangers.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Mary