Today is Dad's 93rd birthday. Indeed a blessing!! Yesterday, I asked him if he knew what tomorrow was. I mentioned the date to see if that would be recognizable. He thought about it for a minute, but it didn't come to him. Then I told him it was his birthday and he remarked, "Oh, is… Continue reading Blessing Day
Author: Su Lambert
Full-time Caregiver to my 93 year-old father afflicted with dementia and blindness AND my 86 year-old mother with Post Polio Syndrome, COPD and congestive heart failure. These last four years have been trying, funny, memorable, stressful, and wonderful. I feel blessed to give back to them in this manner.
Showering Mom
Because of Mom's post polio syndrome (PPS), she has lost a lot of muscle strength. Her legs no longer allow her to stand on her own, for more than 20-30 seconds. Her COPD is exacerbated because her diaphragm muscle is very weak and no longer contributes to optimal breathing capability. She is unable to pull… Continue reading Showering Mom
Little White Lies
Growing up, I learned quite quickly, that lying to Dad was definitely not a good idea. He either had that special version of parental ESP or heightened Spidey Senses, that always resulted in him finding out the truth..... pretty darn quick. Or I just sucked at lying. Actually, it was likely a little bit of… Continue reading Little White Lies
Is It Just Me?
Is it just me? Or do others experience this? Most mornings I am woken up by Mom calling me for assistance for either she or my Dad. But there are a few mornings when I wake up on my own. I pass the room they are in on my way to the bathroom. Naturally, I… Continue reading Is It Just Me?
As Caregivers, We Are our Loved One’s Health Care System
Recently I saw something over on Caregiving.com that got me thinking. Physicians and other health care professionals provide once-in-a-while care. It's true! Depending on the age and medical conditions of our loved ones, a physician typically sees a patient maybe once a month, at most. If the patient is doing well, appointments can be 6… Continue reading As Caregivers, We Are our Loved One’s Health Care System
First Respite Outing
After a couple week's of paperwork, my respite care award/grant has been finalized. For 2019, I have 216 hours at my disposal, which works out to about 8 hours per week. For now, I've decided to split that into two 4-hour outings on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. My first outing was last Wednesday. I spent… Continue reading First Respite Outing
Respite Care .. Part2
As I mentioned at the end of last month's post My Experience Hiring Respite Care, I have received a new award for respite for the remainder of 2019 through the Alzheimer's Association. I asked if I had to work with an agency, or could we hire someone independently? Yes, we can, however the award will… Continue reading Respite Care .. Part2
Changing Mom’s Physician
Ever since my parents moved back to Milwaukee from Florida some 15 years ago, Mom has enjoyed the relationship that she has built with her General Physician. Her doctor's staff has been very compassionate and supportive, especially during the winter months when there is no way that Mom is leaving the house in that frigid… Continue reading Changing Mom’s Physician
Nights Are Tough
Evening time is TV time with Mom. She is an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, so during the summer we are usually watching the game. Most nights I start yawning beginning around 7pm. I do my best not to be obnoxious about it, but there are some days when I am feeling completely exhausted by that… Continue reading Nights Are Tough
EFT Tapping: 10-Minutes to Emotional, Physical or Mental Relief
As Family Caregivers, our days can be hectic, upsetting, frustrating and exhausting as we help our loved ones. In general, we tend to experience a lot of stress, some anxiety and loneliness and possibly even a little emotional instability. Having support from others can help to provide a break from the "routine", but often that's… Continue reading EFT Tapping: 10-Minutes to Emotional, Physical or Mental Relief
CaregivingX2 