Hi Everyone!

I have two sons with PVL and one "healthy" one. They are only 4 months old, but, as you know, I feel VERY overwhelmed both physically AND emotionally. (I also have MS, which makes me even more tired).
I feel like I am so busy runnning around to doctor appts., I have barely any time to spend with the boys doing their therapy or trying to get them into any kind of schedule.
...ANYWAY, we were thinking of trying to get somebody in our house to help. I don't want someone living with us, plus, as we all know, we do not have a lot (if any!) extra money. We don't know where to start looking for someone...a nursing agency? Home health aide? ???
Any suggestions on what has worked for some of you would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Dawn
mom to Zakary, Tyler and Matthew 4/24/04 at 30 weeks

Are your sons involved with early intervention at all? If they qualify for services you may be able to get respite hours (thats what they are called in arizona) which is pretty much babysitting that is free to you, but paid for by the state. If you don't want to go with someone from an agency, i know in our state, we can have a relative, family friend, someone from church, etc, go through a VERY brief training and then get paid (by the state) to help out with your kids.

i realize now thats pretty different from reliable in home help, but could at least be a resource to look into. Also, with your son's conditions will your private insurance help out with any in home nursing care?
Good luck, you sure deserve a break!

Meg

I had/have a "Mothers helper" for my trio (and for ME!) who comes into the house 15 hours a week (or more if schedule and money allow). To find my helpers, I post at the local University. I pay $7 cash, equals almost $9 hour if you had taxes. She does anything I don't want to do. Laundry, cleaning, playing, picking up, running to the bank/store/pharmacy, etc. My first gal was super and has graduated, my second gal is also really good. I look for nursing students or elementary/special ed majors. I require first aid and CPR training. I don't leave her alone with the kids very often, but she will stay behind with 2 if I have to run with one somewhere else. I have a daughter with health concerns (see trach link below).

In addition to the pay, I allow them to do their laundry here (big savings to college kids!), eat whatever they want (again, better than dorm food!), and treat my home like its theirs. Whenever we travel, we take one of our helpers with us. Hope my idea helps. I have a friend with trips who hired a gal using nanny.com (or somthing similar to that!) GOOD LUCK!

~Melissa mom to Sarah, Ryan, & Emma. Post 26 weekers weighing 1lb 7 oz each. Visit our web sites at: http://www.tracheostomy.com/trachkids/kids17/emma.htm , http://www.gkmom.org