Reader Recommendation Request: Home health-care help

Hope someone in WSB-land has the perfect recommendation for Francine, who sent this note tonight:

I’m on a hunt for good, reliable home health-care services for my middle-aged husband who is losing his 19-month battle with brain cancer. Social workers and hospice have given me recommendations, but I’m looking for personal references. He’s still in the hospital after a harrowing weekend of seizures, and I’m not sure what his abilities will be yet. Prior to Saturday he had been very mobile and self-sufficient. But he may be bed-ridden when he finally comes home. So ideally we could use need help overnight or evenings. He’s 6′, 195 lbs., so I won’t be able to handle him myself, even though I’m always there. We will have hospice for medical services, but a nice, compassionate and strong CNA or nursing trainee would probably be perfect. The caregiver would be able to stay in our wonderful, private guest suite with fireplace in our home in North Admiral. Can you help find some recommendations for me?

If you would rather contact Francine directly instead of leaving your recommendation in comments, please e-mail WSB and we will forward to her.

Tom O'Brien November 20, 2007 (7:02 am)

The following is an employment agency. They do background checks and collect references refer you candidates. You hire the worker and are the employer.

McDonald Employment
Work (206) 284-5244
Mobile 206-295-6100
Fax (206) 284-5249
Work Address
2 Nickerson St.
Seattle, Washington 98109

db November 20, 2007 (8:46 am)

Hi there,

I would recommend http://www.CareAtHomeSeattle.com

This is a reputable, West Seattle owned, business. Their owner is a wonderful woman- I’m sure she’ll be able to help you.

The Velvet Bulldog November 20, 2007 (6:42 pm)

Francine, I hope you have the opportunity to take care of yourself during this harrowing time as well, via support groups or other means of emotional succor. If you need resources, http://www.cancerlifeline.org is a wonderful place to start. Wishing you and your husband peace and strength.

Francine November 21, 2007 (12:33 am)

Thank you all so much for the recommendations and information. West Seattle is filled with great people!

add November 21, 2007 (2:19 pm)

I don’t have a recommendation for home health care, but I wanted to extend my wish for peace and strength to you, Francine, during a very painful and tough time.

A.A. November 21, 2007 (2:29 pm)

Francine, Is there anything you need from the community at large? Anything we can do to help and support you? Cooking? Cleaning? Just name it and I’m quite sure this wonderful community will rally to help.

Jan November 21, 2007 (2:40 pm)

A. A. – absolutely !!!

Francine December 2, 2007 (1:57 am)

Thanks to one of the recommendations from a WSB reader, I hired two incredibly compassionate and helpful caregivers from an agency called Family Resource Center. But I have a sad update. My dear, sweet, courageous husband Mike lost his battle to brain cancer on Wednesday 11/28/07. It all happened so fast. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, friends and our devoted kitty, Adam (who never left his bed). Thanks to all for the recommendations and kind offers. I now know of two other people in West Seattle with brain tumors. We must work to find a cure for this horribly, devastating disease. (see abta.org) Thanks again ~

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