Sounds like you just needed some kind of an outlet, you must have been under a huge amount of stress and pressure lately, never mind the worry and having all the kids to look after throughout it, you've been through a lot.
Hopefully he did just need a kick up the arse. Although I live alone now (so if I don't do it, no one will :)) I've known it from both sides and, like bednobs says, it is easy to get into a routine but then if he is well enough again to help with at least a bit, even his own share, then he seems to have needed a prod to get him out of the routine.