Caring For Aging Parents Support Group
Caring for aging parents can be a difficul time as we become the caretakers for our parents. This broad responsibility can encompass such services as assisted living, adult day care, long term care, nursing homes, hospice care, and in-home care. Whether you have just started caring for your parents or just need a place to talk, we're here.
Hi everyone,
I've been on dailystrength for a long time for various reasons. About two years ago I started doing more caregiving for my father following a medical problem caused in large part by confusion and miscommunication - also partly due to him needing a smaller amount of help that I didn't realize he needed and was too overwhelmed with other responsibilities to have provided at that time. He's fast approaching 80 and I find him relying on me more and more.
He still likes to drive, but usually doesn't go places on his own. I'm trying to figure out how I'll know when he should give up driving. He hasn't forgotten how to operate a vehicle, but I find myself "backseat driving" more. I'm planning to check the car insurance company's website and the DMV website (so I can check anonymously) to see if they have any guidelines. I'm trying to balance and make sure I'm not being overly critical but not turn a blind eye to a problem. (If anyone has any advice on this subject that'd be really appreciated).
So, hi, and hoping you're all well
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I did the dumbest thing today. I charged my earbuds, unplugged the block and put the block in my little bag instead of the earbuds. I wasn't happy about that when I got to the gym. What a dummy!
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Years ago, I won a mirrored armoire from my job. It's in my bedroom but I rarely stand in front of it. Yesterday, I had to have a dexascan done so I had to change into a gown. There was a full length mirror in the changing room. I'm aware that I gained 5 to 7 pounds over the last year from cheating on Keto but I didn't know what it looked like. It was a reality check.
The care giving process is a real challenge to their independence when it comes to 'giving up independence'. That is the thought process.
There will come an event, that forces the conversation of the handing over of the vehicle keys.
There are many elder persons with a working vehicle in their garage, their driveway, their parking spot, who do not have the keys to those vehicle, however, their independence is still intact because the vehicle is in their immediate living area, providing them comfort and security.
The process - you are asking for guidelines, every situation is unique to the individual. It depends on how conversations take place and what is happening in that moment.
Sit down and consider how your community handles elder resources, and also what your parent thinks of your 'helping' methods.
Once you head down this road, there's no turning back, no do-overs, so ask the questions you need to, and sort out the options available in your father's area.
It's a gift to be able to help your parent grow older with independence, as they need help maintaining independence and being independent.
Welcome to the group. It is not real active due to the amount of time it takes daily to keep care giving active and positive.
Some days, you'll find yourself in tears because it's been rough all the way round the edges of every daily living activity, and the next day, it's like happy go lucky. Take it moment by moment when needed, and put the joy ahead to help maintain calm and steady.
You are not alone in this.