It's been a while since I've shared more of my caregiving journey. Time to catch you up! We had a visit from a Hospice Care company in early September at the referral of the Nurse Practitioner that had visited Mom twice. The rep made things sound all hunky-dorey, as one may expect. Mom decided she… Continue reading Catching Up
Category: Mom
Changing Mom’s Physician….Part 2
So, as I mentioned in the original post about Changing Mom's Physician, we are transitioning to a service where the healthcare professional comes to you. This is needed as Mom's Post Polio Syndrome and congestive heart failure has progressed to the point where it is beyond exhausting for her to venture out of the house.… Continue reading Changing Mom’s Physician….Part 2
Me and 911
Me and 911....we go waaay back. I have a love - hate relationship with 911, as I'm sure others do too. I hate the 911 call as it is a very stressful time. It means I've already escalated through all the home "remedies" that have helped Mom's condition-of-the-moment before (usually related to chest pain) and… Continue reading Me and 911
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
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?
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
Introducing My Mom Betty
My mom is a fun-loving spirit and a real trooper who taught me all I know about sarcasm. (You've been warned....!) In spite of that, you'd never really know that she has pretty much lived with pain her entire life, as she doesn't usually complain. As a child, she broke her collarbone ... twice, and… Continue reading Introducing My Mom Betty
A Little About Me
Hi! My name is Su. I'm the oldest of three, and the only daughter. I am divorced and have two fabulous daughters, now in their 20s. I didn't plan on becoming a caregiver....at least not consciously. But, I suspect that my dad had been subliminally planting the seed in my brain over 45 years ago!… Continue reading A Little About Me
CaregivingX2 