I have recently hired a local person to come in for a few hours a day either once a week or 3 times a week when I was convalescing from surgery. It has helped me tremendously to be able to get away for a couple of hours just to run errands. My husband's Neurologist highly recommends this to give me some relief and it was when I had surgery that I finally went ahead and found someone. I am so glad I did. It has helped me so much to have that time alone even if it is running errands.

I have been24/7 caregiver for my wife for 5 1/2 Years. I am exhausted and have lost 25 lbs. I now have hired help 20 hrs. Per week and able to get by. I am at the point of considering a Memory Care Facility.

I think it's a personal decision you have to make. It'll come down to whether you can physically do everything for him, if you can handle it emotionally, and finally what your financial situation is.
I've been caring for my wife, with the help of in-home caregivers, for 6-1/2 years. The past 3+ years, she has lived in the state of an infant, unable to do ANY activity of daily life. I couldn't do it (mentally/emotionally) without the help of our caregivers. And financially it has destroyed me - but that's because of our young ages (she is now 58, and I'm 49), we don't qualify for any financial assistance. Since your husband is 84, you should qualify for some help.
Hospice is typically the end game. We had them for 6 months (max lifetime benefit for private insurance), but she outlived that.
You can look on Care.com for ALZ-specific caregivers - that's where I've found mine. The two I have now have been with us for >3 years each, and are awesome.

You just need to weigh out those factors, and make the best decision for YOURSELF, to ensure you keep your health.

Thank you, Patrick, for your insight. I have been talking to an elder care Attorney about Medicaid options. My hope is to keep him at home, and at present, he can still do many things, but needs help with showering, dressing etc. I do know I will need help with the physical things in the near future, and while I know it is too early for Hospice, that is another thing I am looking into. Thanks so much. Gwen

I was caring for my husband at home alone. He is totally dependent and cannot walk. After much fighting recommendations for help I finally gave in. I use a home health provider in the morning to get him out of bed, dressed and cleaned for the day. I also have them come in the evening to help get him in bed. Once a week they help shower him. He is washed every other day. I have found this limited help to be a stress reliever. I have also found items to help with his mobility such as a patient lift, bars in bathroom and a pole in his bedroom. People who come in can provide information they have acquired through thei4 work with other patients.