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57twin, your place sounds like it is out in the Country, and Beautiful! I am worn out just hearing about your busy day!

Jeanette, yes he does use those stretchy exercise bands, though not as much as he should.
I fell asleep really early last night and then woke up at midnight and couldn't sleep, which isn't unusual for me. I watched this drama series episode called LOVE CHILD, so good! It is set in the 60's, and is about a Midwife working in a Home For Unwed Mother's. IIt was filmed in Australia and I found the rest of the series on UTUBE, so now I'm hooked on it and have to change up my tablet and my extra charging thingy to use tonite under the covers! So excited to find a cool show! Later, Stace
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If you want a really good cry, just listen to Neil Diamond singing "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother". Replace He with She, Brother with Mother.

Really need to stop listening to Neil....
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Gershen, didn't you also pull a tendon early on from the treadmill? If so, this could be making more problems for you now. Gait, clumsiness, accident prone, falling? Or, something else could have been going on physically prior to all this. See a neurologist with your symptoms recorded.
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I sure am glad that we are not alone. We were not settled, had just moved, still had boxes and store sheds when my FIL and and my husbands uncle moved I last year. They took what we had set up as the home office, which got packed up and put in a store shed and shoved with other boxes in our master bedroom. The home health nurses and therapist tease me about how many kids we have, just one, because it does resemble a toy box 😉....i am so glad we are not alone with the stuff, semi organized clutter because we have lost things in boxes. It is like Christmas she I find them 😊.
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Crowded, if I walked into my house and it wasn't cluttered, I would think someone came in and stole all my STUFF.....
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Ladee1, my husband would think I went on a cleaning spree and be scared to death he will never find anything. He calls it organized clutter, there are things I agree not to oraganize. Oh btw, we have 1600 sq. Ft. The uncle passed away last year, so four of us with our child.
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Sendme I have always been clumsy all my life. I never told you guys about a time a few yrs. ago now. I was on the treadmill happily doing my thing when the edge of my shoe got caught in the groove between the hard part of the treadmill and the part I was walking on. I went flying and the thing you wear that attaches to the machine in case of falling didn't come off and turn the treadmill off like its supposed to. So there I was. The skin on my knees was just getting skinned right off while I tried to reach up and turn the dang thing off.

I now have two big white patches on both my knees where the skin used to be.

Come to think of it that treadmill is evil d*mn it!!!! LOL
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I'm getting a sign and gonna put it on the treadmill. Maybe call it Lucifer from now on.
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Gershun, how about a FOR SALE Sign! Get rid of Lucifer, once and for all!
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Lol Stacey. No, I'll just start saying "GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN" every time I go near it.
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Gershen, the evil know who Jesus is, and they shudder. If you speak under your own authority, they might speak back and say: We know who Jesus is, but who are you? Then, you would be whining. Ask Stacey, she might know. That treadmill could be replaced and you would be safer. How old is the treadmill?
I have read on this site, somewhere, of an illness that is not clumsiness, but instead the sx. are clumsiness.
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I can just imagine the treadmill breaking loose the tread and slapping you on the behind when you name it!
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Stacey, are you advocating giving lucifer to some unsuspecting fitness lover?
Meant to be funny folks, not insulting.
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Sign should read: Gershen, stay off this treadmill until you are feeling better. For those of us seeking a sign.
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Sendme I was just kidding. Obviously I don't think the treadmill is evil. I'm just clumsy.

Next topic...............
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Reading some of the posts from the cat lovers may I share my cat story? Mom had only been with me for about 2 mon. when this small, skinny kitten showed up at my back door. I remembered hearing pets were good for the elderly and wondered if this kitten had been sent to us special. So we took her in and named her Molly and she has certainly been sent here to help care for Mom. When it's time for Mom to go to bed Molly hops right up beside her and lays until Mom falls asleep. I like to get up early and have my coffee on the porch and even tho I leave the doors open I don't always hear Mom call for me but Molly's ears perk up and off she goes. I know when I see Molly head down the hall Mom is awake. She's no lap cat but she will bring her toy mouse and drop it at my feet then run hide and wait for me to throw it to her. She plays with it awhile then brings it back and drops it at my feet again. She was definitely sent to us for a reason.
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Terrible storm threw my lawn chair into my convertible that I don't drive because Mom can't get in and out of it. Toyota is supposed to replace the dash on Friday because they have problems with my model as well as a bunch of others. The chair hit my car in four places and I have 0 deductible so they are supposed to see that tomorrow. Problem: I never use it so battery won't hold a charge! I have to get a jump tomorrow then drive to body shop let them make estimate with it running. Then I will drive it to repair shop to see if they can assess problem and get it fixed. Ultimate goal, get top replaced and sell it. I have four vehicles in my yard. I really don't need this and I am still paying a payment on it. Pray for me, lol
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Sharadale, it is a sinking feeling if you find damage on your car...I don't know why they can't make undentable vehicles for all they cost. I hope you can get it fixed up and sold. I turned in my leased Solara a few years ago so I didn't know about the dashboard issue. With our weather in the Midwest I didn't get to drive with the top down much, and when it was nice there was always dusty road construction to contend with.

Oldestof3, I love the story about Molly. Something similar happened to a friend's mother in that her kitten, Holly, showed up on the doorstep on Christmas Eve. No one claimed Holly, so she found a good home with my friend's Mom. Her husband had just passed away and she always thought that Holly was a gift from him somehow. Holly brought much joy and comfort.

Another Monday...I hope everyone has a good day and a good week.
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I want to whine about my sister, she is the youngest, married later in life, no children. I come from a family with serious dysfunction and she is dysfunctional but better since marrying. Anyway.. She calls mom daily, visits maybe every two weeks for a couple of hours and just 'can't do enough' when here. She does do more than any other of 6 siblings. But not a whole h*ll of a lot. We had a falling out a while back, she told my oldest brother that I was mean to Mom. I was humiliated and very very angry that she would do that to me, the sole caregiver. She is here for short stints. Yes, I can be a short tempered after constant 24/7 care to this extremely deaf, sickly, fragile 88 yo woman. Some days I want to run away. I have no life, just all the usual crap of caring for her.
I guess I have forgiven her, sort of, for the searing comment she made to my brother.
Why would someone be so cruel as to do that knowing how much it would hurt and embarrass me. I would never be mean to mom. Sometimes I lose my patience but never was she justified in doing what she did. Jealousy? Dysfunction? Immaturity? I guess my whole point in writing all of this is to say that dysfunction runs deep and can really screw up a family. It is sad. Some day I will write about that dysfunction and how it fractured my family.
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When I read about how your pets are a comfort to you and your loved one I wish that would work for us, it would be nice if there was SOMETHING my mom would connect to. Being farmers we always had a dog and multiple barn cats around, but since my mom lost her eyesight she is terrified of animals. One time years ago I found a stray cat that someone had dumped off and when we were in the car taking it to a neighbours place I thought she was going to jump out the door she was so freaked out. I understand the jumpy, boisterous ones, but when my nephew and fiancee brought her very calm cat for a visit mom patted her a little she then asked us to 'put her away' in her carrier. Weird.
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oldestof3...so sweet....I love how cats bond with the elderly. Mama loves animals...and while we have several cats (and now a puppy) there is one sweet girl who also curls up beside Mama every night. It is such a sweet sight. They are outdoors during the day but I bring them in at night...I will bring her in and she hops up beside Mama and I tell her..."here's your little kitty"...and Mama will say...oh...there's my little kitty...sweet baby"....it is so cute..pets really do bring a lot of joy to our home.
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Joanie, I often sympathize with caregivers caught on nanny cams because I believe there are few among us who haven't lost it at some time and done things we are later ashamed of. You admit you are sometimes short tempered with your mom, from the outside looking in those moments can be alarming. When I whine to my sister she usually tells me "I think it has gotten too much for you and you should place mom in the nursing home". Maybe that is where your sibs are coming from too, they feel it has gotten too much for you?
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I am still so upset over reading lucky's post as well...Lucky, as you know Mama has dementia/alzheimer's but I have had durable POA for many many years now...After my brother got 75% of their estate after Daddy passed (because they threw a fit and showed their butts) the only thing remaining was this home...and it was to be mine after her passing one day. THEN, Mama told me not long after all that, that if she went ahead and signed over this house then, that would mean she had nothing left in this world that she had worked for her entire life...She had a point, and yet looking back I know she was already having issues mentally because she would never have done that...anyway...fast forward and the accident happened and Mama never put this house in my name...

I went to an attorney and discussed the situation with him and because I am POA and it is a durable POA...he prepared a life estate and in it it states all of my caregiving etc. and upon her passing this house will automatically go to me....Please, go to an attorney and see if you can have this done...It was very inexpensive ....and then you have the filing fees...which are not that much either..but now it's all done... Not meaning to be bossy but please check into this pronto...
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Good news! I think Mom's increased Zoloft dosage has finally kicked in. She was bright and chipper yesterday for her ride, and that continued throughout the day, pretty much. This morning, same thing - up early, bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready for therapy, etc. She's asking for things she wants now instead of just saying "Whatever." and is more alert and interacting with people. I hope this streak of good days continues, and that she can continue doing well. She has a better appetite now and is requesting things she wants to eat instead of just taking whatever they give her and not eating.
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Sendhelp, now that was Funny!
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Wow SUSAN, that is really Great News! Yeah Mama, I do hope it lasts!
My little Charlie-girl checks in on my FIL throughout the day, making sure he's alright! Animals have such keen instincts towards the elderly. I know that she would notify me immediately if any thing was to happen to him. She will often post outside his TV room, keeping a close eye on him, it's so Awesome!
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JOANIEJ, YES I Agree, that was a terrible thing for your sister to do, she has no idea what you do 24/7 to care for your Mom! I think sometimes people who don't help the ONE CARGIVER that has All of the responsibility, stir up trouble just to justify their own GUILT for not doing anything themselves! Pay it no mind! You know what you do, and that is enough! I'm sorry she acted that way! Sincerely, Stacey B
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Jeanette..that is the truth. I always want Mama all clean and shiny...hair set and combed out, smelling pretty and pretty linens and comforter on her bed...I on the other hand....meh....just too tired to care anymore....I even go without makeup OUT IN PUBLIC heaven forbid...that is something I said I'd never do but now, who cares...certainly not me...... hehe

Gershun..I love that show..can't wait for the new spin off that starts this coming Sunday..woo hoo...I love Daryl...my idea of a perfect man..Rick isn't bad either...

Vstefans...interesting that you would say that today...our nurse just left and I was asking her was there any way the dosing could be altered because her feeling perkier and talking more was excellent, but I was concerned that she was not sleeping for two days running....I'm afraid her heart will give out on stints like that..but she also suggested halfing the patch next time we needed it...so I think I'm going to try that..thanks!
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cwillie...and joanie...I understand re the sibling issue...and nastiness thereof....even among those of us who have siblings we love but just have issues with. Isn't it always interesting that the first thing my brother has said to me when I first started doing this was "if it gets to be too much for you, we'll put her in the NH" not..."if it gets to be too much let me know and I'll take off work and stay for a while...etc" so they clearly would not do it if it was left to them.

When I first started doing this I think I had more emotional moments than I do now. I would let the "s" word fly a lot or the "d" word...or the long sentences with a lot of the words in there...and those who have been here a while may recall my infamous "mooning" episode...but back then I was horrified at my own self and figured I just could not do it...but now I have to say...I dare say the only folks who could do this and NEVER lose their patience or temper now and then would literally have to be saints......I'm not talking physical stuff here...but sometimes it can wear on you...and the "words" fly out.... I'm not sure where I was gong with that.....

Gershun, hope you are still ok today...I probably could not do a tread mill these days with my balance as bad as it has become...

Glad your Mom is having a good day Susan..It really makes my entire day and week when Mama is in a good, happy mood...She was first thing but took a little swat at the aid this morning...very out of character for her....but she does NOT like for anyone to mess with her nose or eyes...I guess I an't blame her....

I am thinking of opening one of my boxes today....that may be all I do....but it's going to be a rainy day here...which i am loving....so a good day for it...but you know how once you open something, you can't ever get it back in there...
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Another point of dismay on appearances...the other day I needed just a few items from the dollar store (I have my own parking space there) but I had on a pair of lounge type crop pants and my man shoes....no makeup....decided why bother changing clothes...and off I went...I didn't see anyone caring...including me....I vaguely remember that person who used to be neat and tidy and well coifed wearing an alluring scent....If I'm lucky these days the scent of clorox cleanups is my standard perfume...
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