In November of 2017, Mom had a week-long stay at the local hospital due to scary low blood pressure. As a result of that visit, someone on the healthcare staff referred us to the local Department of Aging. Turns out, one of the programs we qualified for was respite care. A friendly case manager stopped… Continue reading My Experience Hiring Respite Care
Respite Outing: The Ballet
Once in a while, one of my brothers makes themselves available to "help" Mom and Dad that I can get out for some well-deserved "me" time. It usually does involve begging on my part, but, as a Caregiver, ya do whatcha gotta do... right?! This past weekend I had an opportunity to go to a… Continue reading Respite Outing: The Ballet
My GO-TO Trick for Reducing Anger Immediately
Feelings of anger may build slowly when small resentments pile up or they can come on quickly before you even realize it. Anger will come up in situations where we feel frustrated or powerless, where we feel we're being treated unfairly or not receiving the respect we deserve. As caregivers there can be plenty of… Continue reading My GO-TO Trick for Reducing Anger Immediately
Introducing My Dad Frank
I guess I've always been Daddy's Little Girl. My mom laments that my first word was Dada! And as a young girl, I called him Daddy-O. He's a proud man of Sicilian decent, and devoutly religious, even at 92 years old. He never wanted or tried to be the center of attention, but he had… Continue reading Introducing My Dad Frank
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
The Journey Begins
Thanks for joining me! Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
CaregivingX2 