C.L.
Hi M.,
My grandmother suffered a stroke a little over 3 years ago. She lost usage of her left side and is in a wheelchair. She was in a nursing home, but 2 1/2 years ago, we got her a fulltime care-giver, who has been wonderful. We (and her doctors) are convinced that her expert care has kept grandma alive today. We really like our care-giver, but she switched agencies, which, if we didn't like her so well, we would have switched. We also purchased a used handicapped van, which has made life easier to get her around... shopping, eating out, visiting.
My sister's in-law's just hired a full-time caregiver for her mother-in-law, and they are most impressed so far with them. Griswald (national organization - look up on web), ###-###-####, Green Oaks, IL. They were professional, background check employees. My sister said that they seemed like the best and the most economical. If you need to talk, write back, and I'll get you my phone #. I know where you are - it's a tough decision, but we are convinced that this is a great alternative.
Good luck!
C.