2009 “Give a Caregiver a Break” RUNNER-UP: NANCY
"Non-Nurse Nancy"
"Granny, we've really got it by the butt. We've got our health. We have good jobs. And we have a beautiful home." John used to tell me that every night, and I agreed. Then the stroke came, January 18, 2007.
I stayed in the hospital with John, and learned to care for him and feed him through his feeding tube. I attended almost every therapy session with him so we could come home together. He (and I) worked hard and he was discharged two months and one day after his stroke.
I have always been "Non-Nurse Nancy," but being home together was so important that I've learned to do lots of things I didn't think possible. Neither John nor I have worked since his stroke and I am a full-time caregiver.
We moved into our new ranch-style home one year before John's stroke. We have a walk-in shower (with no glass door). We rented a hospital bed and brought a single bed from the basement for me. Our wood floors are perfect for John to walk "laps."
John's right side is affected-he is able to walk with a brace and quad cane; his right arm does not work, and his speech is returning slowly. We have had in-patient therapy, and outpatient therapy. He is still having speech therapy at the VA Hospital. He is so good-natured and it's exciting to see his progress.
Due to my caregiver role, I feel like I neglect my children and grandchildren. I used to drive to Omaha to visit my daughter and her family. I used to attend school concerts and sporting events for my son's children. I used to go shopping or out to dinner with friends. Now "my time" is Wednesday and Friday-between 10 AM and 2 PM when John attends Milestones Adult Day Health Center, and Thursday from 1 PM to 4 PM, when our guy comes and he and John do "guy" things.
Our attitudes inspire others. Neither of us has asked, "Why?" We appreciate what we have. I have words on the walls that say: Miracles, Believe in Them; Each Day is a Gift: It's Good to Be Home. John reads them when he walks his laps and we believe them. Due to his stroke, we have met many wonderful people-both in the medical field and people with physical and mental disabilities. We encourage others to never give up. Our retirement and travel plans took a slight detour, but we're happy and thankful to be home.
A Home Instead CAREGiver could allow me to spend time with my family and friends (like I used to) and know that John is in good hands, with a real Caregiver instead of me...Non-Nurse Nancy.
—Nancy Hill, Toddville, IA
Winner of $500 of free respite care
from Home Instead Senior Care