Spending some time with my brother.
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
August 18, 2008 6:49am CST
My 82 year old brother lives with his daughter and her family, and can't be left alone as he can no longer care for himself. Last week, his daughter and family left for a short, but much needed vacation and other families members have been looking after him.I spent a day with him on Friday of last week. Yesterday, it was my turn again and I spent the night with him, and will be here for the rest of today as His daughter will be home again this evening. Although, his memory is failing and he often gets confused,I still enjoy spending time with him. It can also be sad seeing someone who you remember as young and vibrant becoming like a child again. It's a reminder of course, of what happens to all of us eventually, if we live long enough. still it is good to have family, and I feel blessed that I can still be of help. Anyone else here have older family members who they like spending some time with?
2 people like this
6 responses
@vegegirl (828)
• Australia
19 Aug 08
HI Pose
my dad has alzheimers, which is now quite sever and he doesn't really converse much now, but will talk sometimes - often with his own words that he makes up.
He is now in a home but we all still spend some time with him most weeks - mum visits him once or twice a day still, to feed him his lunch and dinner (except if she is sick or has to go away).
Even though he can't really talk or say our names, sometimes we think he knows who we are, or at least that he knows us and we know him - its just a feeling that you get, so we still visit him! I think it's important to do that when it gets worst, even though it is so so sad. I wish you lots of luck with your brother.
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 08
Hi vegegirl, Thank you for responding. I'm sorry to hear about your father and it's good that you still visit him, I too think that it is very important. Even though you are not sure if he knows you or not, the human touch is so important, especially when it comes from a loved one, and I expect he still knows the difference. I have just recently returned from spending 24 hours with my brother, and it's difficult to see his health deteriorating but he still can communicate although it is often difficult and he becomes very confused. I agree with you about holding his hand when there is nothing else left to do. I sat alone with another brother and held his hand until the end, so I'll do anything that I can to let him know that a loved one is nearby. I hope we all have loved ones around when we can no longer care for ourselves. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@vegegirl (828)
• Australia
19 Aug 08
I forgot to mention as normal forms of communication will stop there are still things you can do, like hold their hand and just be nice and understanding with them. You may not have done much hand holding with your brother before, but later you may find this is just something you can do when you visit.
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@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
18 Aug 08
Hi Pose123! That is very nice of you my friend! I do agree with you that being with the family even through old age is a blessing. The oldest member of our family is 86 years old and she is my beloved grandmother. I visit her once a week and she is staying with my aunts who are taking care of her. We all love her very much and we do hope that she will stay healthy for a long, long time.
Take care always..God Bless!
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
19 Aug 08
Hi faith, Thank you for your comments. It's good to hear that your grandmother is still well at 86. I hope that she continues in good health. I have one sister and she is 85 and doing well. I enjoyed the time that I spent with my brother, and will visit him again soon. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@faith210 (11224)
• Philippines
20 Aug 08
Hi dear friend! I do am so lucky that I still have my grandmother around me and blessed that I am given the chance to take care of her once in awhile. She has been taking care of me and my brothers when my mother passed away and I am really hoping and praying that God will still allow her to be with us for the longest time possible. I love her so much. I am hoping and praying for good health for you and your family as well.
lovelots..faith210
@nanayangel (7879)
• Philippines
18 Aug 08
Hi there Pose!
I miss spending time with my grandmother from Manila. We moved here to the province so we only see each other on summer vacations. I love talking with her and we bond over playing cards. I also miss the foods that she cook.
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