Medical Care When Parents are Gone

abatie · #1 03-22-2011, 01:13 PM

I am wondering what suggestions anyone has on how to make sure your child's medical needs are taken care of while you have to be gone. I usually write down directions but I am worried about this since my husband and I will have to be gone for at least a week (maybe longer) from our kids this summer because I have to have brain surgery in Omaha. Our kids will be staying with my mom but she doesn't live close to us so is unfamiliar with the care routines. Becca has all her skin care issues associated with her CMTC plus she is chemically sensitive so that is why I am trying to get my mom to come to our house where special cleaners are used. Ben has allergies and asthma and is on meds. twice a day and shots every other week. Anna is allergic to strawberries and sunflowers (and sunflower oil) which is in many products. I am really concerned about there care while I am gone. I am afraid if I write down all the directions the book that it would turn out to be will be thrown in the corner and forgotten. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

missy · #2 03-22-2011, 06:58 PM

Wow.

Paint it on the fridge?

How old are Ben and Anna? I know with my kids' allergies, they are now both old enough to manage them.

How far away is your mom?

Is it possible for your mom to go to Omaha and your husband could stay home with the kids?

Hmmm.

Missy

abatie · #3 03-23-2011, 12:46 PM

Missy,
We talked about my mom taking me to Omaha instead. She won't drive in Omaha so we are left with my husband taking me since I won't be able to drive until after I have been cleared by rehab (about 8 weeks after surgery).

Ben (8) could probably help her through his meds and I am going to plan the meals so hopefully Anna (5) wouldn't be exposed to anything because I will buy all the ingredients ahead of time.

Sometimes my mom frustrates me because she doesn't see how important it is that there meds be given the way they are prescribed, that Anna doesn't eat anything she isn't supposed to (she also sneaks food which worries me), and I fear coming home to Becca's skin being a complete mess. I guess it will all work out but it is another stress.

missy · #4 03-24-2011, 11:12 AM

I have a bunch of these:

http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProdu...19&sect ion=4

I got them at the grocery store. Maybe you could make some freezer meals and label them (Monday Lunch or Wednesday Dinner).

Find out how much it would be to get a home health aide while you're gone. Even one of those "Grannie Nanny" services might help. Would insurance cover anything like that?

Maybe not helpful as you'd like, but brainstorming nonetheless!

Missy

abatie · #5 03-24-2011, 02:26 PM

Thanks Missy, I will look into it. I was planning to freeze most meals - I do that on a regular basis before school starts anyway. I will just add another round this year! I don't think our insurance would pay for it but I can check. The other thing that I thought of was getting some respite care for Becca to help my mom out some. We have never used it but it was offered to us as a service through our Birth-to-Three program. I will check out the website! I appreciate it!

missy · #6 03-24-2011, 11:02 PM

The respite care idea is a good one. It could be overwhelming for your mom, since she's not used to dealing with young kids anymore (I would assume).

I make and freeze stuff all the time, too. We look hilarious going on vacation, but we have no choice, really. We take more food than clothes with us!!

Missy