Follow
Share
This discussion has been closed for comment. Start a New Discussion.
Find Care & Housing
Welcome to all the newbies on this site!!! Hard to keep up anymore...

Deefer, thanks.

Tennessee, O, my, sweetie. What a heartbreaker for you and your little girl. I don't like attorneys either. God hears the cry of your heart, and won't forsake you. They will get theirs one day. Stay sane, hon. Hugs to both you and your little one. Maybe yours and mine can meet and do the Tae Kwon Do together sometime...
(3)
Report

ah!!! All of us seem to be Pet Lovers! Doesn't surprise me a bit.
It's natural for us all to be loving & caring by nature. Otherwise, we'd likey be snobbish & wealthy! Caregiving hardly pays the bills ...

Y'all may know my father & cats spent a few years in an 'active' senior luxury apt. complex with AL, tho AL wasn't their primary focaus. Income mattered to corporate & the cost of AL was huge.

Many of the residents had or wanted small pets & were 'encouraged' to have them. My 3 social dogs were are a highlight to many people who insisting we stop by their place for a "Furry Fix" whenever we'd visit.

Most wanted a pet of their own but for reasons like physical disability or inability to provide food, they were alone b.c the institutions service fee & $400 deposit was too expensive.

The Mary Mind went into thought mode ...
I wanted, & still do, create the "Red Cat Society" matching isolated seniors with rescued cats. They (the cats) are overflowing the shelters.
Cats are quite adaptable to small iving quarters (Bobbie) ... yet the issue of care?
OK ... A group of dedicated volunteers who can provide the cat, do tri-weekly check up on care (bringing food, nail trimming, litter box duty, etc.) so the homebound people could have their own darling kitty.

Many of the local shelters could bring adoptable cats by the facility once a month. If the cat doesn't work out they are usually happy to take them back. *I've rescued dozens over the years & several are happily living with seniors. Ratzo, pictured with Dad, is one of them.

The Cats would arrive with Red Collars (indicating fixed & rescued), litter boxes, kitty bowls, some food, ktoys & a Catnip Cache. If the kitty finds a home - wonderful!
My original thought was to have high school kids be the 'dedicated' kitty carers & receive community service credit. Local schools weren't interested. All kind of reasons.
Mostly kids were too busy texting their social calendars.

Second thought is the Specail Needs Population. Perhap a group home needing an activity. Round up a van of trustworthy able people to shop for food, diviy it up, do the dirty work & enjoy the benefits under supervision if needed.

People like the idea but my life is too complicated to develop it

plus I know there are people better than me to organize groups - the shelters too busy caring for incoming animals, yet are willing to adopt to seniors (cats would be adult, social & offered for no cost to the seniors) ...

I have 3 cats living back here that outlived their seniors, but the time they spent on an elderly lap & bed ....

A grant writer friend suggested a non-profit shelter write it up & submit it, but again, they are too busy saving animals.

Any ideas?

The other service I call the K9 Express, which is a handicapped bus to take the disabled (I hate that word) & their pets to the local off leash dog parks. During slow times, mid morning.
The seniors could watch their little dogs run - Lord knows they need it! - even if from the bus.
Again, the "special' population would be ideal to toss balls, scoop poop & tend to the happy dogs. under supervision.

A friend who drives school busses suggested it would be a great deal for drivers who have that 5 hour break after the morning run. Especially if there was pay involved. They are first aid certified & know the equipment.

Most metropolitan bus companies have retired handicapped busses for sale cheap ... a smart business person could develop this idea & make a propfit, I'm told.
Again, federal grant money is an option - but the economy tanked on us all.

So there it is folks.
I wish these ideas could fly ~ altho it might not be appropriate to us on this thread.

I'm curious of YOUR thoughts??

Sorry for being so long winded ... I've seen so many seniors would would love these types of services ...
(2)
Report

PS - Mouthy here again wit Ratz on lap -

The K9 Express would also cater to homebound people with disablities & pets. Senior or not.
I know several wheelbound people with dogs who wish they could run off leash. You KNOW the dog would always have an eye on their person!

My van doesn't have a lift. I do have a scooter so they could roam the park with their animals ... Hmmmm ...........

Thanks ~

Rip
(1)
Report

Bobbie, I am really surprised you left my name off that list of passengers...geez! That's fine I can go solo...been doing it all my life it seems.

Boy dayz are getting rougher work has turned into the epitome of HELL. If I had 10 to 15 years more to go here I WOULD QUIT.

Mom is back to her whining a bit more....last night she tried to lay on the guilt trip "I'm so bored"....I had previously tried to call her twice the phone was busy - she must have been talking to the only sister that talks to her. Then immediately called me and tried the quilt trip. I said don't you start I am not going round and round with you. I just am not...and wrapped it up. I don't feel sorry for her anymore..not in the least...she's had 86 good years on this earth...let me be already!
(2)
Report

Hi Maxine here the grand-daughter is flying off to see her young man someone bartered for her ticket she is a good great young lady and he is an outstanding young man Defles thank you for your poam -how true Rosella -loved your cat and mice story I think cats are so smart -mine had to adjust to the husband being home and then in the hospital and nursing home and home again and various family members comming and going and me comming and going away-he probably needs therapy by now. Anursing home near has a cat in residence who seems to know when the residents are getting ready to pass on and the cat gets into the bed and spends their last few hours with them so they do not die alone. Deefer I use the 0ne year rule if I have not used something in one year out it goes and if it is a maybe it goes in the shead for now-after 45 years in the house there is clutter plus a husband adicted to TV ads I am enjoying getting rid of junk it works better than xanax-a thought for all of you get your own credit cards and get your name off your spouses asap-I am paying so much paying off his bills because I also had a card he had-the only company that said I was not responsible for his bills was a company that we did not owe anything on.
(0)
Report

I have just finished to read all your posts of today. Great posts, great people! I loved all your stories, but when one of you (I don't remember who she was, sorry) said that her mother used to fry an egg for the morning breakfast of the cat, I took a deep breath of satisfaction. We are SLAVES of these little aliens, the cats, and we are happy to be! I feel very close to all of you in your problems with lawyers, brothers, but I see that you always manage to deal with these problems with sense of humour and levity... I am so glad to be part of this wonderful community of wonderful women. (We want some men! Caregiver men, show us you exist!)
Rip, your ideas about elders and cats/dogs are great. I remember I saw a couple of cats in an hospital (in Rome). It was a normal hospital, (with a big garden where those cats lived) but the principle is the same. The hospitalized people loved these cats who walked through the lanes, and gave them food, they petted them... The nuirses and the doctors closed an eye because they saw how much joy these cats brought to the patients. I remember one of the patients welcomed the cat and said: "How are you, today, Romolo?" and gave him a piece of cheese of something. It was so sweet!
I spent a nice day on the beach with mother, mother's helper and her two kids so I'm Ok.
A big hug to every one of you!
(0)
Report

Pirate!!!
She named the dinhgy "What If" ...
teasing. I'd be bummed too. Being off her list is a let down.
You were absent for a while, weren't you?
I got you a life raft here! You're on board with me!
Bobbie Beware!
Pirate & the SignLady together???

How are things there, Pirate?
Dad is in the can doing his thing. Then I serve him dinner.
I am gald you're all my family!
Who else could understand the snail pace when there is so much to do?

Cheers, ALL!
Especially poor Pirate ... sniff ... wink!
(0)
Report

Bored? I thought she was 86 not 16? Bored...oh lets not do that...I am starting to notice the touch of paranoia coming on with my grandfather...he accused my mother of "putting something in his filtered water." Because he chokes on EVERYTHING!!! He will say you put salt on this, you put spice on this...that what ever and she hasn't he just doesn't chew won't use denture cream and doesn't swallow as well as he used to...So everything is someone elses fault. beh when will this end?
(0)
Report

so what happened at his doc appt? UTI?
Prostrate?
Has he had a day care visit yet?

More important ... How's Cleo?
(0)
Report

Hi gang,

Looks like everyone has been very chatty today. Verystressed I was thinking of you on the way home. If my memory is right, you are the one facing foreclosure. I heard an ad on the radio for a company called Home Ownership Resources. I'm not sure if it is just a SC program or available in other states. It is somehow connected to HUD.

Secret Sis, you would have plenty of guests if your Tea Party event was in SC. I'm not sure how much of SC's Tea Partiers are motivated by political change or simply race. Personally I am not involved in the movement.

Rip, you have some terrific ideas! Unfortunately so many people and organizations stop thinking "outside the box" because of liability issues. Law suits and insurance seem to dictate everything.

I hope Cleo is recouperating well.

I know I haven't addressed everyone, but you are all terrific people with kind and generous hearts.

Have a good night!

Diane
(0)
Report

Hi everybody! Hope everyone has had a good day...uneventful!

Rip, I love your ideas about the animals & seniors! How much joy they would bring to each other! My hubby has a medical service dog, named Shelbie. She is a full-blooded collie that is a Humane Society rescue. We adopted her & she was evaluated for temperment, etc. to enter the service dog program. She passed & we began our training together. She can go everywhere with us & she has been shuch a blessing to my husband!!!!! She is very intuitive & knows when he's having a difficult time, when the tremors are worse. She goes to him & puts her head on his knee. He then pets her relieving some of the tremors. She also helps him with mobility & they have physical therapy exercises that they do together. This is another problem that I'm dealing with in respect to us losing our home...can we take her with us? It would break my husband's heart to have to give her up!

Hope y'all will have a great night! Get some rest! K : )
(0)
Report

Miz, how's your new job going?

Hugs, all!
(0)
Report

Verystressed: If somebody says you cannot keep Shelbie, tell me and I will come with my friends from Sicily and a lot of big guns. They will change their mind and they will say that you can keep every dog you want, even an elephant, if you like.
(0)
Report

Love it, Rossella!
Hawkeye would have led the pack!
Stressed ... some how we are going to help you.
Think about a move to Seattle.
But I know .... you love your home.
Somehow, we will find a way.
Have you contacted the media yet? You said pride was no longer an issue, & frankly, these storeis come & go, then are forgotten.
Please give it a try?
What's to lose?
(0)
Report

Hi All...

Yep, Diane, it's me! Thanks for the info. I'll do a Google search & see what I can find out about the group. I've even been putting in applications to go back to work, but no luck. I HATE the thought of leaving my husband alone all day...don't think that he can handle it...he can't even feed himself & I have to help him in the BR, but we don't have a choice!

Rossella, thank you for the offer to help us with Shelbie! We'd make them an offer they can't refuse, huh?!?!
(0)
Report

Google Carol & Rookie, the dancing dog.
She has post polio syndrome & started dancing with Rookie for exercise.
I hope everyone finds them & enjoys!
(0)
Report

Yes, there will be their signature or their brain on that piece of paper...
(1)
Report

oops ~
Carolyn & Rookie
Doesn't stop there.
International dog loving community!
(0)
Report

Lady ... you do need a break from your loving husband.
Just now & then ... a breather ...
Shelbie will be with him.

We need to find resources for you. NOW!
Since Shelbie is such a stellar dog, would it be possible for you to train other service dogs as a source of income? The local women's prision trains assistance dogs.
Must we be incarcerated to find a job?
I feel bewildered by your situation, why this wonderful country isn't quite there yet.
If you do choose a job, make certain it is close to your heart.
(0)
Report

I have watched the video of Carolyn and Rookie. Who looks into your eyes the way only a dog can do?
(0)
Report

Go Rexy?
(0)
Report

Hi Everyone. I don't have time to read all the posts this morning but wanted to let you know the job is going fine. I'm really tired but I'm sure I'll get used to it. It's been so freakin' hot here. I think that's part of it. I hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected. Love you all!!

love,
miz
(0)
Report

Pirate!

I am sorry that you were hurt. I didn't mean to leave your name out or anybody's name out!

You'e not alone and you KNOW it when you are dealing with those of us on this thread! Whassup?

We have a great crew that has grown and grown. What I need is a paper next to the computer that has the list of names that have posted on this thread. when I holler out a list all I'm doing is giving a shout out.

Pirate: you're sgt at arms, member?

Very Stressed, thanks for the condolences for my mom. Hardest thing I've ever done. All you guys can do for me right now is remember me and my mom in your prayers.
I have reached the end of my caregiving for a human being and am now a caregiver for a boat. I would like this boat to be a respite boat for caregivers just like we all talked about all through the time that the plan was set right here on this thread. Nothing has changed.

There's something absolutely peaceful on the water (unless it's not due to weather) and regenerating to the soul and I hope that I can share this with my friends on this thread and the others who will follow.

The dingy's name is: Now What?

OK: the electronics guy is here and we are going to work on the last of the list that will bring the boat into the 21st century Navigation/communication wise. Very necessary. He's a sweetheart and knows what i want to do with the boat is is not charging me the 'usual' rate which I could not afford. Blessed.

ok my maties, please do not take it personally when i forget a name!!! I am learning many things and am doing the best i can.

Love you all more than you know,

lovbob
(1)
Report

Bobbie, it's almost as if we're living out the adventure with you. We're blessed to be part of such a great group! Pirate! You're first rate, mate! :)
(1)
Report

Good Morning Everybody!

Hope y'all had a restful night! I woke up about 4 & like to have NEVER went back to sleep...my mind's working overtime, I guess!

Bobbie, you're welcome! I have a question, though...Did you REALLY get a boat?? You deserve it!!

Miz, glad that your job is going good!

Rip, I have talked to my husband about the media & he said to go for it, so I'll contact them to see what they say. We also have a friend coming over tonight that we can talk to & maybe give us some ideas. I had thought about the dog training & even checked into it, but you have to have qualifications, certifications & licenses that I don't have. Thank you all, again, for your care & suggestions!!! I'll let you know what I find out about the media prospect.

Hope y'all will have a very blessed day! K : )
(1)
Report

Verystressed, Aren't there laws for service dogs? They are usually allowed everywhere their master or mistress has to go. I sure hope you can find a way to keep your home. As with all of us, money is a big issue and the hardest to deal with. Would your husband be interested in an adult daycare program? I'm in central Mas. and there is a program that pays for Mom's 3 days a week, with her only having a small co-pay. This would get him out to meet new people and you could look for part time work while he is there. Just a thought. Contact your local senior center where there is someone on staff that can find you the organizations in you area that can help you. It's worth a try. I'll keep you in my thoughts.
(1)
Report

Pirate, We know you are out there. Your stories are great and your trials are many. I think you would make a good first mate. Sure hope I can be chief cook and bottle washer. Bobbie, do you need a cook?
Had the dreaded colonoscopy this morning, and came home hungry as a bear! Had a bit to eat and am going to go to bed for a while, to see if I can shake off the remnants of anesthesia.
Have a good day everyone.
(0)
Report

Hey ya'll. Jsomebody here...CLEO doing fine, doesn't like the foot spray but she is healing. Still have not heard from the Prostate specialist to even set up an appointment...Mom is trying to find ways to blame me. Before she LEFT for work leaving me here with fart pants grumpus she made sure to remind me that we have an important LIFE THREATENING CALL COMING and that she couldn't get a hold of anyone on Monday, the day I had the emergency trip to the vet...Thanks ma, real nice more guilt. Bite Me!

RIP's idea about adopting out pets to nursing facilities is a good idea, cures loneliness boredom and unnecessary killing of cats and dogs that so many people treat like disposable toys...(neighbors).

Glad your job is going OK miz, wait for the pay check that will make it really worth while!

dreamed of lottery numbers last night went and played em here they are if any one else wants to give it a whirl. # 6,7,13,38,50, 8 and/or # 1,2,10,30,59, 32. Hope somebody wins something. I saw so many aluminum cans along the way I went back down the alley and bagged em! THAT is money on the ground! Though not as lucrative as three years ago, still...
(1)
Report

YAY, Cleo!!!

Last week I left 6 messages with Dad's urologists before I heard back!!!. They have a new phone system for the spreading hospital & the dozens of satelite offices - nobody is getting thru! The staff & patients are really ticked!
Reaching a person is a series of push buttons, holding & often disconnected.
(0)
Report

fart pants grumpus

omg too funny.

lovbob
(1)
Report

This discussion has been closed for comment. Start a New Discussion.
Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter