Parents??

Dear Leeannmarie: First of all, I'd like to say that it's admirable that you are caring for your older parents. I am fortunate that my mom and step dad are still able to hold on to their independence, but I know that one day I will need to give them a lot more attention than I do now. Nevertheless, I will put in my 2 cents. I suppose that you don't have siblings who can help out, and I'm assuming the funds are not there to hire someone at least part time, and that it's too late to buy a long-term care policy. I guess the key is in the fact that you are probably not able to take any time at all to take care of yourself. A question: are there any community centers where you can take your parents and let them stay there a few hours a week so that you can use that time to get a manicure, pedicure, massage, yoga class, a nap, etc.? Many towns have them, and older folks thrive on that change of scenery. Is there any chance you can pay someone $50 every couple of weeks or so to clean your house or babysit the family? When you are feeling overwhelmed, do you notice that maybe you're not breathing deeply? That can make you feel even worse, so remember to breathe. Remember to take care of your own health. Remember to share with your friends. Remember to give yourself a pat on the back for helping others. I wish you the best.

My parents are not old but our grandfather is. It is true that it is frustrating and stressing for my parents to take care of us, their work and our grandfather but thank goodness, he is still healthy. The only problem is that when he gets such a nuisance and when he is not in the mood. He would walk around the house and will notice everything... hehehe but other than, he is good. !

do grandma's count I took care of my hubby's grandma for over 6 years with little help an I had no help at all just his family telling how to take care of her wich pissed me off cause they wouldnt even come an see her oh yea they lived not even a block away anyway what worked for me was having someone to vent to so if you need to vent just add me to friends list an talk I can tell you some real horror story but i will also give you moral suport

I did it. I work 2nd shift so my mom scheduled all her many appts. so that I could run her. IN between appts. she would call me constantly becuz she "missed me". Then she reached a point where her mind was going and she was pretty much bedridden. She was adamant about not going to a nursing home. My brother and I ended up taking care of her full time. Hard and time consuming? oh you bet. I thought the doctors appts. took up my time. Now I had next to no time at all. I also have a 14 yr. old still at home. Hospice was involved which was helpful but she did not trust any of them. When I began this job, they did not think she would live a month. She lived for 8 months. We'd never been close. Before her mind went we had some good talks and we actually did get quite close. For that reason, I am glad I stuck it out. During those 8 months, I had to rearrange my entire life and set prioritys. My house was never completely clean. IN most communitys they do have shuttle service for the elderly. before she was housebound I did have her take the shuttle sometimes. It was great for her as she made some friends and after the first few times, didn't mind it at all.

I look after my mom who is 76 yrs old i hope that she never have to be placed in a nursing home,i'm a little old fashion and believe that family should take care of family.