  |
| |
|
Offering help with the worries of elective surgery April 7, 2004 EDITOR'S NOTE: With this installment, we are beginning a new occasional column. This column will examine the ways in which New York State United Teachers' Social Services Department helps union members with decisions in health care, counseling, elder care and other social issues - including tapping into networks of services in communities around New York state. I'm a 73-year-old retiree who found out that I need foot surgery for my painful hammertoes. I've delayed scheduling the procedure, however, because I'm the primary caregiver for my 78-year-old husband, who suffers from fairly advanced Parkinson's disease. We don't have any relatives who live nearby and could stay with my husband while I'm in the hospital and, even worse, I'll have to be off my feet for at least a month after I get home. I feel guilty scheduling surgery for something that's not life-threatening when my husband needs me. What should I do? Stress is always a major ingredient when you're preparing for surgery, but adding unnecessary guilt to the mix is definitely not the right recipe, says Dr. Michael Aziz, a New York City-based internist. While it's not uncommon for caregivers who face their own health crises to feel scared and isolated, says Aziz, it's important to step back and realize that you're not doing anyone a favor - especially not your husband - by ignoring your own health needs. Even without local relatives, you're far from alone. "Find help in your community," suggests Aziz. "You'd be surprised what's available." In fact, a host of resources is only a toll-free phone call away - through NYSUT Social Services. The department has a staff of experienced professionals to help you figure out what steps to take before you're admitted to the hospital and put you in touch with high-quality providers to care for your husband. It's a good idea to contact Social Services in advance of any scheduled surgery, said social services specialist Laurie Kupperstein. Once you have picked up the phone, you can address your primary concern - who will take care of your husband while you are in the hospital? If your husband is self-sufficient and does not require full-time help, you can opt for hiring someone to visit through a companion agency. The helper will visit for a few hours a day, prepare his meal, accompany him to a doctor's appointment and provide him with companionship and conversation while you are away. NYSUT Social Services can also recommend home care through a reputable home care agency if your husband requires more extensive housekeeping services, such as food shopping, meal preparation and laundry, or personal care help such as bathing or dressing. "The home care agencies we recommend are licensed and bonded - and they do background checks on their employees," explained social services specialist Scott Hicks. "Think about requesting that the agency send the home care worker for you to meet before you hire them." Assisted living If you're not comfortable with the idea of a worker coming into your home, there's also the option of placing your husband in an assisted-living facility or nursing home for the duration of your hospital stay. "A surprising number of people choose to move into a facility for those few days, especially when they're dealing with complicated medication regimens," says Hicks. Once those details are squared away, you'll want to put a plan in motion to ensure your own surgery is successful - and recovery is speedy. Help is ready and waiting at the other end of the phone line. Call NYSUT Social Services at (800) 342-9810, extension 6206. United Federation of Teachers members may call (212) 598-6880. Next issue: Discussion about discharge from the hospital. |
|
| | |