Anita’s Foothold Story: Challenges Caring for Husband

Planning for retirement had already begun for Anita and her husband.  Both were sixty years old and were doing the countdown to retirement.  They had planned to work three to five more years, Anita working part-time and her husband was the primary bread winner, working two jobs.

But unfortunately, their plans would drastically change overnight when Anita’s husband had a massive stroke, leaving him with right-side body paralysis, speech problems, and swallowing problems.  Life had changed in a big way for them.  Anita was now unable to work and is now the full time caregiver for her husband.

After 3 months in the hospital and on the rehab unit, Anita’s husband was discharged home.   Anita received a 30 minute training session by hospital therapists the day prior to his discharge from the hospital and was given medical equipment but not trained in setup or its proper use in the home.  Anita is now the full-time caregiver for her husband.

As you can imagine, Anita was soon experiencing frustration and anger,  and beginning to feel body aches and pains due to the constant lifting and transferring of her husband in and out of bed.  Anita reached out to their primary care physician and I received a referral to provide therapy to her husband and to provide training with Anita.

Assessment of husband’s physical status was done.   The physical limitations and functional skills of her husband were determined. Anita indicated several clear goals that she wanted to achieved and realistic goals were set based on Anita’s strength level, her physical abilities and her husband’s functional skills.

The care plan included:

Education on affects of the stroke on her husband

Home/environment modifications recommendations

Proper safety equipment recommendations and training

Training to Anita and her husband on how to safely perform activities of daily living (ADL) tasks — dressing, toileting, grooming, bathing, in/out bed, in/out wheelchair, feeding and etc.

Education on importance of reaching out for support and self-care engagement.

Conclusion:  Anita made many changes and verbalized a significant decrease in the about of stress and frustration she was experiencing.  She made many of the recommended home furniture layout changes. The ability to do transfers in and out bed improved but still were difficult, due to Anita opting not to obtain all the recommended safety equipment.  Husband is now able to do more of his own ADLs at a slow pace, when allowed is able to do so with very little help from Anita.

Anita states she is learning to let go of needing to do everything and is beginning to ask for help from others.  Anita is very thankful for the guidance given.  

Anita is not open to attending a support group or seeking counsel at this time.

My prayer and desire is to that Anita continues to reach out for help and that she finds peace and hope during this difficult time.

Consuela Marshall, Occupational Therapist

Today’s blog is inspired by an actual client case.  To hear Anita’s story, listen to the Caregiver’s Finding A Foothold Podcast, Episode 13: An Open Door Into The Cares of Anita.  

The podcast is available on the FindingAFoothold.com website and on all major podcast streaming sites.

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Disclaimer: The podcast and blog are intended to provide basic information so that you can become a more informed caregiver. The information presented is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not meant to serve as medical advice or replace consultation with any health care providers you regularly engage with. Transmission or receipt of any of this information is not intended to, and does not, create a therapist-patient relationship. This information is not provided in the course of a therapist-patient relationship and is not intended to constitute medical advice or to substitute for obtaining medical advice from a physician or therapist licensed in the state where your family may reside. We encourage everyone to consult with your physician or therapist to see if they are appropriate and safe for you.