Taking care of elderly parents
By divalounger
@divalounger (5849)
United States
June 15, 2016 2:16pm CST
I just got back last night from several days of taking care of my mother post surgery. She lives alone and I thought she could use the help. She will be 86 soon and I feel as though we are entering a new stage in out lives.
She needs more help and I think all us kids will fill in and help. That should help lighten the load a bit. Do any of you take care of your parents and how is that experience for you?
11 people like this
13 responses
@teenspirit (1597)
• Israel
15 Jun 16
I had not experienced it because my parents young
But respect for the initiative
2 people like this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
15 Jun 16
It just sort of happens as you are living life I think!
@jerry260188 (247)
• India
15 Jun 16
Its so good you are taking care of your mother in her old age.Yes my parents live with me and I don't think I can live without them.I always feel I m so lucky that I have parents who love me unconditionally.They are my stress busters, whenever I feel depressed the moment my mother ruffles my hair I know that even if whole world is against me I will always have her in my corner.
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
18 Jun 16
I help take care of my 76 year old mum, though my sister does most of the caring at our house as she is a trained nurse - the only trouble is that my sister despises me and doesn't talk to me at all which makes things very tense around my mum
1 person likes this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
18 Jun 16
Oh I bet that does make it difficult! So very sorry--that dynamic can be so very difficult to overcome
1 person likes this
@AbbyGreenhill (45496)
• United States
15 Jun 16
Mine are gone and so are my husband's. We just worry abut ourselves now.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
15 Jun 16
Getting through that hump cannot be easy, but I expect it will be good on the other end as well--
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
15 Jun 16
I am hoping that mom eases into assisted living at some point. She is at that stage when falling is an issue--so being alone all the time is not a good idea
1 person likes this
@DianneN (246334)
• United States
15 Jun 16
@divalounger I understand. I know people who needed assisted living. It was for the best. Best of luck with her.
1 person likes this
@Iam_jauntyjen (4951)
•
1 Nov 16
Both of my parents are old.Mom is 68 and dad is 75. Eventhough mom feels some pain here and there,she is still very able.In fact,she helps me look after my daughter .Dad has been taking 6 maintenance medicine but he can still do some home fixing
1 person likes this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
2 Nov 16
You are lucky that they are both healthy! Hopefully, they stay that way--and that you all enjoy your time together
@nezavisima (7408)
• Bulgaria
15 Jun 16
I think it is normal for children to help their parents when necessary as in your case.
Yet they are the people who raised us and gave us life are cared for us and it's normal to help them when they need.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
15 Jun 16
It is just you don't really think about it much and then it strikes you one day---and you kow your life will be different
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
15 Jun 16
I too don't live very close, and am grateful to my siblings who are!
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64362)
• United Kingdom
16 Jun 16
I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but as you say, she needs care after an operation at her age. Good for you for helping her. I've not had to do this myself, but understand it can be a problem, especially if you don't live very near.
I hope your mother recovers well.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
17 Jun 16
Thank you Jabo--she seems to be recovering nicely--and is in much better spirits than I had thought she would be
1 person likes this
@just4him (305561)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
17 Jun 16
Our parents had to go into assisted living. They both just passed in the last few months.
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
18 Jun 16
I am so sorry! My mom is just starting to look at housing that can transition into assisted living. --thankfully she has the meas to do that
1 person likes this
@just4him (305561)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
18 Jun 16
@divalounger That's good she has the means.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
16 Jun 16
I think we are there Judy. I hope there is healing for everyone as we move through this
1 person likes this
@divalounger (5849)
• United States
16 Jun 16
I know it can be a burden, and often is, but it is something like the Jewish mitzvah --not a commandment really--but something like that
