Vows of protection
“You’ll be needing a long-term care facility,” was how the hospital social worker at UVa worded it near the end of Michael’s monthlong stay. Long-term care facility was short for “nursing home” and other options Michelle didn’t care to consider.
Even in the hospital, Michael had been left to fall from a chair. He couldn’t walk or move his head; he should have never been placed in the chair, never mind left alone in it.
But, according to Michelle, someone on the graveyard shift hadn’t bothered to review his chart.
Michelle Hammer struggles to move her 170-pound husband, Michael, to the shower.
When Michelle arrived at the hospital the next morning, Michael was black and blue. She was outraged. Who left him alone in a chair? How long had he been lying on the floor?
“I had to protect him,” she said. “I took the vows to love and cherish and protect.”
If Michael was to get the care she wanted for him, Michelle knew what she’d have to do when he went into the nursing home: watch over him as much as possible.
But the bills were starting to pile up, and the couple’s cash reserves were nil. Michelle had to work.
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To Love & Protect
Michelle: God Bless you and I pray peace and strength for you. I worked as a Case Manager for Brain Injured clients and saw firsthand of the client's and family's struggles. You have been and are a wonderful caregiver. Sometimes the client gets beyond the capability of our care and more times than not, decline in their health is unavoidable. It is hard for us to lose our loved ones, through physical death and/or through emotional death. Stay strong and know you have done all you can do. Connie
Michael's Story
I just wanted to comment and tell the wife of Michael that her story is touching. It is not very often that you find someone who is willing to sacrifice their life when it's sooo very hard. I am only 25 years old but I am a main caregiver for my grandmother. I was in tears as I read and viewed your story. It is now time for you to treat yourself as good as you have treated everyone else in your life. God has a purpose and a plan for us all. Although we may not understand what message he is trying to send, if we look close enough...the answers are right there. I do not know you or your family. But, in God's plan...we are all family. I will keep you in my prayers so that you may be strong and encouraged.
I am 48 and have to take
I am 48 and have to take care of my husband who is handicap too.I have since 1992. It is very hard sometimes,but God always gives you the strength to keep on getting it. I dont know what 8 full hours of sleep really is. I had to let my job go, because it cost to much to have someone to come to house. so now we really have a hard time. But I know he is getting the best care too!
I will pray for you and your Husband.