Helping elderly parents.

[Art 1]

My first go at it. A week or so ago my wife and I were hiking in the Pa. mountains. Upon our return to Canada my mum called that dad had passed out and she had just called the ambulance. So we flew back down to Orlando. My wife was such a big help dealing with the doctors, nurses, setting up home car and driving my mum to the hospital and back. Well, she had to go back to Canada Wednesday. Boy does my dad miss her, the doctors were asking for her too LOL. So I got him home Thursday, learned how to get his pills all set up. Learn to drain the urine bag and measure it. Lots of missed sleep. Cooking and cleaning. I'm staying with them for a while. I'm lucky being self employed I have some flexibility. Dad played football at Carnegie Mellon, is strong and healing fast. We don't use walkers and so forth in my family, don't believe in them. He's almost back to normal. They were great parents and good people. It's my honor to help them and will stay as long as needed. We all miss my wife badly and will be glad when she comes back down. I've learned a lot about me self too during this. I can do a lot, and I'm doing it.

[Chloe&Harley]

It’s upsetting your parent is sick but a proud moment in life , I am greatful of everything my parents have done for me and am honoured to be there for them. Hope you dad is better and back to himself soon

[The Joker]

Hope he gets well soon.

[airchitect]

I have a similar deal my friend. It’s why I currently live where I do. Anyway, stay strong and watch out for mom and dad.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by The Joker

Hope he gets well soon.

+1

[BBL]

Art
I am so sorry your Dad is having medical issues., and although you are the strong one there at the moment, missing your dearly is wearing on you, it seems. Nonetheless, special women are the strongest of dependable and loyal oars, aren't they?

We're here for you.
Waving from north of you!

DM

[BBL]

Art

This is for you and your bride to hopefully cheer you up.... Its so obvious you miss her.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw2FVxSOhv4

Blessings,
DM

[1st amg]

Art, you and your wife are doing the best possible for your parents in their time of need. This will never go unnoticed and they appreciate it more than you will ever know. I recently lost my father, and one of the fond and deepest memories of satisfaction for me is that we helped them daily, and knowing that my wife and I along with my children of 8 and 10, sacrificed holidays, parties and get togethers with friends to be with my father and mother in their most dreaded time of need, especially in his last three months of his life. Soak it all in, with the good times, and especially the bad times, because today, almost five months since he passed away, I would take those awful, painful and ugly days with him than be here with a hole in our lives. Good karma Art, what goes around comes around, right!!

[Art 1]

Thanks guys. Was up a good bit last night but I'm learning to fall back to sleep quickly. Got him too his church this morning then to the store. Just need to get this cathitor out and things will be much better.

[MonBK]

You're a good son buddy.

Well wishes to your dad.

[brandrea]

I’m sorry to hear this Art. I echo what others have to say. Families that pull together can survive anything.

I hope he feels better very soon

When you free up some time, that pizza in St Jacobs is on me ... or better yet a beer at Bloc3

[Rockrolex]

I concur with everything that's been said, Art. My Mom is 102 and still lives in her own apartment (although she has 24/7 care because she is blind) about 20 minutes from me. My sister lives in Atlanta so most of the burden falls on me. But that's OK.

[Chewbacca]

chin up Art.

after all's back to normal, you and your entire family will be an even stronger and tighter unit.

[GB-man]

Hope your pops is back strong and well soon art! Keep up the good work.

[TheVTCGuy]

I just went through that with my mother, she was in the hospital with a heart issue. My stepfather has had a stroke and although pretty self-sufficient, not 100%, so it was up to me to run everything when she was in the hospital and back at home as she recovered. It was EXTREMELY tasking emotionally, I don't know how I kept it together and honestly, didn't at times. Unfortunately, I am at that age where times like this are inevitable, not looking forward to it. Being an only child it is up to me, I have never shied away from responsibility, but this is a tremendous one I wish I didn't have to undertake. That's just life.

[Etschell]

sorry to hear this art

[GradyPhilpott]

Wishing your family all the best, Art.

[Alexwwjd]

Art, I wish your dad a speedy recovery. You are lucky to have your parents, blessings.


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[Art 1]

Thanks Guys, means a lot.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m sorry to hear this Art. I echo what others have to say. Families that pull together can survive anything.

I hope he feels better very soon

When you free up some time, that pizza in St Jacobs is on me ... or better yet a beer at Bloc3

We did eat pizza at Jacobs Grill last Sunday before heading to the airport, and at the Mennonite bakery next to it. That bakery is amazing.

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by Rockrolex

I concur with everything that's been said, Art. My Mom is 102 and still lives in her own apartment (although she has 24/7 care because she is blind) about 20 minutes from me. My sister lives in Atlanta so most of the burden falls on me. But that's OK.

That's right. It's an honor to do this. My way of looking at it is because of their upbringing and some luck I am able to help them.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Art 1

We did eat pizza at Jacobs Grill last Sunday before heading to the airport, and at the Mennonite bakery next to it. That bakery is amazing.

Us Mennonites know how to bakeb

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[77T]

It is difficult and hope you have some CNA or Visiting Angels support in addition to yourself. With good support they will feel more independent too.

Good luck with the road ahead.

[Lamone]

Art,
My hat off to you, you're a good son!
I hope your father recovers well. I am in a very similar situation.
It is not easy to care for an elderly parent. Children become parents - parents become children...

[Art 1]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Us Mennonites know how to bakeb

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That's right I forgot

[ajas]

I wish your family all the best. You a a good man Art. They must be proud of you. Thank you.


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[Tri-Tip]

Sounds like you're doing everything right. I went through similar with my dad last year, we lost him in May and the 6 months before that, he was having mobility issues (Parkinson's), but fortunately had good upper body strength and was able (with assistance) to get in and out of his recliner and into the wheelchair and was thrilled on the days he was strong enough to use the walker to get around.

Curious why your father won't use a walker? Is it a pride issue? Better safe than sorry, and from experience with my dad, the type where he has to hold the lever to move and release to stop is better than the standard where the lever works as a brake.

[lapince]

...

[amg55]

I hope your dad recovers quickly.

It takes a toll on everyone when an elderly parent is sick. We were lucky to have found a helper who lives nearby. She was happy to come and give dad a shower and help out for a few hours each day. That really gave my mother some relief. I honestly don't know how she would have coped the last 2-3 years without her help.