Something has Been done at last to help xxx
By weemam
@weemam (13372)
August 6, 2007 4:59pm CST
I have had a great day today , Most of you know about my family and that I care for four of my family members, you also know that Mum and Dad both have Alzheimer's and I am the only one they trust to do things for them ,we have tried for months to get My Dad into a respite place of some kind just for a few hours a week , Dad is almost 90 and Mum almost 89 ,. Well last week after a few more phone calls I actually got word that he had been found a place in Town Break , it is in a church hall twice a week for people with Alzheimer's , they have a place for him ONE day a week from 12 till 4 pm , He was ready at 11;30 I was there with Mum waiting for the volunteer picking him up , he really didn't want to go , they came at 12 :15 and of he went by then quite happy, I took Mum out so she wouldn't worry about him all day , we went clothes shopping then we went to a lovely new Tea room just built , It was gorgeous and spotless clean , we had so much fun , we laughed all day , then I picked up hubby and Ross and we all went down to Mum and Dads to wait for him to come home , He had A GREAT TIME , he loved it and he is looking forward to going back next week , In a couple of weeks Mum will be able to do her own thing for the 4 hours or we can go out together again , It was so lovely as we drove away to see them smile as the waved us off, they will have different things to talk to each other about now xxxx
10 people like this
16 responses
@mummymo (23706)
•
7 Aug 07
It sounded like you had a wonderful time wee (sorry if you read this mom but she gives me a row for calling her Aunty!) and I know you were so pleased that all went well! I am sure he will continue to enjoy it and that your Mum will relax more and enjoy the free time too! Thanks for the mic - not tried it yet but didn't get home and have dinner til after 9 and noone was on then! lol Have to try tomorrow! xxx
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
7 Aug 07
That's great news, weemam. I understand how taxing it can be taking care of Alzheimer's patients. My sister took care of her husband until she got too sick herself. It was very hard on her because he is so hard to get along with in the best of times. I am happy that your dad enjoyed his outing and this will take some of the pressure off for a little while at least.
2 people like this
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
7 Aug 07
This is a very good thing you have done. Even if your Dad didn't l;ike the idea inititally, you have considerred the needs of your Mother & yourself. You need to do this, because without a break, it is very stressful looking after parents with Altzheimers.
It is also good for you & your Mum to spend quality time together.
I may end up having to do all this, as my Father has the beginning stages of Alzhemiers.
@youdontsay (3497)
• United States
7 Aug 07
What good news! I'm so pleased for you.
I know that being a caregiver is exhausting and respite is indeed a much needed thing. Glad it worked out well.
2 people like this
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
7 Aug 07
I am so glad for you weemam - it turned out that all of you really enjoyed the day!
Your dad was probably feeling a bit apprehensive about going to the new place, not knowing what to expect - I think we can all be a bit like that at times, so it's understandable. I'm glad he had the courage to still go and wow, look how he enjoyed himself!
Next week after he has been and you have done "your thing" with your mum, you will all have different and exciting news to swap with each other.
Thanks for sharing your good news with us.
2 people like this
@raydene (9871)
• United States
7 Aug 07
I've said it before and I'll say it again that you are one special lady and a great daughter. Thank the Lord your aging parents have you. Sweets I know there is a very special place in heaven for you and those like you. You will be royality there I just know. I am so proud to have you call me sis.
Love you a ton and a half!
oxxoxoxoxo
Sis
2 people like this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
7 Aug 07
i'm glad to hear that everything work out well for you and your parents weemam... you deserve it as you are such a nice person with a golden heart... at least now you will have couple of hours every week to enjoy yourself with your mum... take care and God Bless you...
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
18 Nov 07
Sorry my friend I have only just found this one, still trying to catch up on the discussions, not having the internet! It's good they have special places for people to go, it takes a lot of stress etc off for the relatives and much needed support is given to them. Glad things are working out for you sweetheart xxx
@Darkwing (21583)
•
7 Aug 07
Awwwwwwww, Weemam, I can't tell you how happy I am for both your parents and you. I know how much time you've devoted to getting the very best for them and to visiting them and helping them out. That story has brought a tear to my eyes, as I imagine your Mum's laughter whilst out on the town with you, and your Dad's happy smile on his face when he came home from the Centre to find you all waiting to greet him. What a loving family you have, my friend. You have a solid unit of love and respect for each other, which means the World to you all, I'm sure.
Thank you for the pics you sent me, by the way. What good looking people!!! All smiling, with sparkling eyes too, which doesn't surprise me in the least. Thanks again, my friend. They're just great!
Brightest Blessings for a great day! xxx
@weemam (13372)
•
7 Aug 07
it was brilliant and we laughed all day and today was so relaxing too because we all hd so many things to talk about , it was the most relaxed I have felt for months , thanks for being such a good friend to me , the diet fell by the wayside yesterday but I will make up for it xxx
@Darkwing (21583)
•
7 Aug 07
The diet doesn't matter so much as your feeling relaxed, happy and contented with your achievements, my friend. You can always go back onto that without too much damage, but there were things you just had to do at that time, and if it means breaking your diet, sobeit!
I'm so glad you've come to this point... let's hope things level out and remain this relaxed now and forever. Brightest Blessings my dear friend... remember, what you give out, you get back threefold. xxx
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
7 Aug 07
That is great news. I am so happy for all conerned what a difference it will make to you all.
1 person likes this
@maildumpster (3815)
• United States
7 Aug 07
Oh I am so happy for you. This is wonderful for you and for your dad!!
1 person likes this
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
7 Aug 07
Hi weemam,
I'm so happy to hear that you're able to get this respite care for your dad now. I know the value of this type of care, to give a break to those who are responsible for 'special' family members etc. It's wonderful that you and your mom were able to have this time together. The Tea Room sounds so nice, and is just the type of place I love to go to. I'm sure your dad will enjoy meeting many new friends as well.:)
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157552)
• United States
8 Aug 07
Oh, how wonderful, things like that can really save the life of the caregivers. I see he had fun, and so did you. Some laughter and a change of scenery is very good for everyone involved. Take care, brave and happy friend, and keep posting.
