Caregivers Support Group
A voluntary caregiver is a spouse, relative, friend or neighbor of a disabled person or child who assists with activities of daily living and assists those unable to fully take care of themselves. The challenges of a caregiver are unique and sometimes it's hard to find people to talk to who know what you're going through. Join the conversation and find others who...
I feel a little bad as I read the posts to this support group because I am just starting the caregiving process. My mom has begun to lose her memory and mobility and it makes me sad for her because she's always been a vibrant, sharp, energetic person, and sad for me because the mom I've always known is slowly slipping away. She has always been one of my biggest supporters, I've always gone to her for advice, and we've been very active together. She still supports me, although she doesn't always remember what it is she is supporting me in, and since she can't get around very well we tend to stay put. She just had hip replacement surgery, which was much more difficult for her the second time - she had the first hip replaced about ten years ago. I'm hoping she will get around a little better after she recovers from surgery. As for her memory...I've heard blueberries help with memory problems?! Anyway, I'm sure I sound like a cry baby compared with the difficulties some of you are experiencing but I know this will get progressively worse so any words any of you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Studentforlife
Thank you!
Studentforlife
Hang in there.
Hugs, Phoebe :-)
Have you read that after a big surgery like that, that the anesthesia can cause some longer term cognitive decline?
this change is hard. scary, sad.
but it is a chance for me to give back all the love and support that we have always gotten from her.
with my aunt (who didn't know who I was towards the end...which had its benefits, since she got mad at me- I had to make her do stuff)...I tried to be like the paid staff that came in to help her....caring but with some separation...not trying to get her to remember me, but have her talk about stuff...whatever she wanted to. (that may be for you later, not now)....my mom is at the stage of repeating stories, and needing more help, but well enough to find it frustrating too.
anyway, welcome. this has been a safe place to get wonderful support. (I mentioned it somewhere else, but we have really been enjoying photo albums from before I was born)
I don't have any specific advice on your situation with your mom. I believe there is an Alzheimers Support Group on this site.
Take care of both of you.
Phoebe - She is my best friend so I am bracing myself. I just lost my other best friend (my dad) about three years ago and it has been torture too. I'm still trying to cope.
Blueviolet - I hadn't heard of the anesthesia thing before, that's interesting, and unfortunate. Yes, this is my chance to give back to her, I must be mindful of that when I want to feel sorry for myself. This is more difficult for her than for me because she still knows what's happening.
HCARD - Thank you! I am sure I will need to do all of those things and it is so nice to interact with people who "get it".
Willowangel - With so many people and things to take care of sometimes I do need "me time" I'm pretty good at taking it! Ha!
Thank you all so much for your warm welcome and thoughtful words!!
Studentforlife