How to live while recuperating in your own familiar home even if you need nursing care

My husband's father suffered a stroke and dementia. He said, "I want to die in the house that my wife and I built, living with our friendly neighborhood friends, drinking and smoking as I please." When he had trouble walking and it became difficult for him to go to the hospital on his own, we used in-home medical care, including visiting dentists. While he was at home, we were able to talk with him about his future plans and spend precious time with him. He spent his final days in a facility, but the staff were kind and allowed him to do as he pleased. We are very grateful.

I used home medical care and nursing care services for 10 years until I took care of my mother at home. He had been in and out of the hospital repeatedly due to chronic heart failure, etc., but because he liked spending time at home, he could not adapt to life in the hospital or in a hospital. Although I had a full-time job, I received information about home medical care and nursing care from the doctor I visited and the care manager in charge, and continued my mother's home treatment with the support of visiting doctors, helpers, nurses, friends, etc. I was able to do that. While receiving treatment at home, my mother was able to attend her grandchild's wedding because the home medical care and nursing care team provided her with fluids and medications, and provided her with a wheelchair for extended periods of time.

Due to the use of a disability certificate (heart disease), there was no out-of-pocket medical insurance costs. However, about two years before his death, he used helpers and other services not covered by the long-term care insurance (self-paid helpers), which cost a lot of money.

In his final moments, he contracted shingles and was in pain, but a visiting doctor prescribed medicine to relieve the pain. I was able to spend my time comfortably and it was very helpful.

Experienced caring for my 88 year old mother. His lung cancer has returned and he is told that his life expectancy is short. Although she was receiving inpatient treatment, her mother wanted to stay at home to be near her daughter (Mr. C's older sister), who has a severe intellectual disability. She went to the hospital to get prescribed medication, but it was difficult for her to go there with her sister and mother. When he went to a local pharmacy to get medicine, the pharmacist told him about home medical care, and he decided to receive home medical care services.

The only way to get to the hospital was by taxi, which cost tens of thousands of yen just for the round trip. Even considering the burden of getting my sister ready and moving with my mother, I didn't think it was expensive to have her come to my house.

Home medical care is available 24 hours a day, even late at night. The examination was thorough and I had no concerns. When he was about to die, a visiting helper came to help him with toileting and bathing. I am especially grateful for the bathing, as it was difficult for me to do it on my own. I remember my mother looking so happy that I was finally able to take a long-awaited bath.