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Golden, take care of that knee. Sis getting married? Wow there is hope. My mom married the second time on her 80th birthday, chosen because she thought she would never forget their anniversary.😢

Ali hope you find work soon and something you want to do. Many of us know how difficult it is and the longer it takes, the more stressful it becomes.

Upset, good luck with the opening.

Sharyn, those changing street names are in many places. You will get used to it with time.
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Veronica that must really be a small town! Do they put every incident in the paper like my town.

Oregongirl, that sounds so wounderful to pick up and start all over. Takes a lot of guts to even think about.
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I thought I lost the previous post Whew.
Ali, hang in there step by step.
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I have to catch up.

Upset I am so happy for your opening. It all happened so fast for you that I know it was God's hand with your gift. God Bless. I am sure the opening was great.

Sharyn, You enjoy your trip. sounds like fun all the crazy street names and routes. WTF? is fun.

Golden, sorry to hear about that knee issue, and death family member. Your sister getting married gives me hope. For real. I think the knee pain is the weather changes. I sit down to long it becomes a process to get up. lol. not just the knees ligaments in the groin area too! lol

ali
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I think we're set for the open house tomorrow. I've going over all of my lists twice. Tomorrow morning I have some food to fix.

Ali, We will have support groups and individual counseling. We also have a reading and resource room. There is also a social center. Caregivers can drop in if they need a break away from home for an hour or two. I'm not sure about the used equipment. The state is fairly good with assistance on needed equipment. That might be an option later.

We also have small private offices to be used for meetings with social workers. We have a social worker who is experienced with applying for Medicaid. We have put together packets with all of the information on Medicaid, what documentation you need, etc. it's relatively easy in Maine. The rules are the same as other states, but from what I've heard they are very helpful and work quickly. The wait time isn't as long as some places unless you are trying to get a home care waiver. We also will be able to help caregivers apply to get some pay for their caregiving duties. You can get up to 28 hours per week.

We have set up resource folders for caregivers with all of the telephone numbers, programs, listing of care homes, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, etc. also, information on low income senior housing, Meals on Wheels, nutritional counseling, psychiatric services, and gerontology services. I've tried to think of everything, but I'm positive I'll discover things that I forgot or simply did not know about.

We still have not had frost - totally strange. Our temperatures are definitely above normal. Everything is different from normal. However, we did have the beautiful full harvest moon. Near the coast in Maine is one of the best places to view.

Hope everyone is having a peaceful weekend. We have a houseful because of Columbus Day and Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.
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And sold my house in 30 days, full price. I know this move was overseen by My Lord.
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Alibo.. I just moved from beautiful coastal Oregon to Texas. I took one suitcase, my two dogs and shipped my car. I gave everything to my church. Antiques, included. It feels very good to really clean house and own minimul things.
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tried to post but lost it!! Try again later. Take care everyone
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Well the good news and the bad news came to me one after the other. The good news was first - my sis is getting married. I am delighted for her. She has always wanted to be married again after she was widowed. It will keep her busy, hopefully and having less interest in what I am doing or not doing. There has been a little sense of jealousy over R and I. This has happened quite fast. Last I knew a couple of years ago she was dating someone else, who then developed dementia, and she was visiting him in his facility this past May.

The bad news is that a cousin's wife has died of cancer - aged 76. She has been ill for quite a while, She was a warm and caring person, and will be missed by many. My cousin and she were married for some time, and though it was a third for him and second for her, it was a very successful union. We all were happy they had found one another.

Re moving - I am thinking the less I take with me, the better. I like shopping better than moving. Dd asked if I was taking the leather sofa set, as it would work well in her place. I think I will give it to them. It would make me happy to think of them using it and I have had it quite a while, so it doesn't owe me anything. For sure I will bring the old dark oak dining set and side tables from my childhood home, but I don't care much about the rest of it. What a freeing thought!!!

Darn knee is still acting up. It has been bashed a few times over the years. So back to nsaids till it is better. My morning walk is 15 minutes now and then it lets me know it is enough.
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Margeaux, I also would like to know how you are and how your mom is doing. Is your sis still managing her day to day care?  Always great to see a post from you.  

Upset, I'm excited for your caregiver center to open. You may have mentioned, but I didn't see: what is the format going to be for services offered? Is it a walk in place or will there be weekly group meetings for support? Both? Will you have a medical device pantry where people can drop off gently used devices - walkers, wheelchairs, etc. - for donation? They have that at the senior center here and I've always thought it was such a good idea.
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(((((((stacey)))))) glad you went to your doctor promptly and got some meds to help. You have been through so much for so long. Take good care of yourself and enjoy your time with hubby and all the wonderful scenery etc. I doubt it is glove powder - way too much of it. Very strange indeed

madge - the chart house sounds good to me

sharyn - no pictures up? I will be the same. Dear dd!!! She is so enjoying having you close, but you do need a break some times. Prayers for a job. Can't believe we haven't had a frost here yet though there may be a little drift of snow Sunday. Very unusual. I am relieved about the lab. The guy I have spoken too is very helpful. He asked if there was going to be a law suit. I guess I need to visit a lawyer at some point.

ali - so much stress!!! I am glad you got some sleep. You have a lot to organize yet and accomplish. I agree about the WBC count and stress and autoimmune issues. We need to protect ourselves as much as possible from the stress. Prayers for your job hunting too.

Margeaux - good to hear from you. How are you and how is your mum?

Veronica - that is funny!

upset - you are in the last minute "frenzy" of getting the center ready for the opening tomorrow, with pj by your side. I know it will go well. but be sure to let us know.

Hope everyone has a good weekend. Try to make life a little easier on yourself - treat yourself to something good.
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Veronica, lol! That is funny!!!
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Sharynmarie in our small city in order to be classified a city there had to be a certain number of different named street. therefor at every 4 way stop you cross the intersection onto a differentt named street. the main crime her is not stopping at 4 ways and running red lights.!
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This is going to be a day where I want to go home lol!!! Boise and Nampa have had the worse city planners. Ex: there will be a franklin street east, franklin blvd east and directions are to take franklin road east?? Shopping centers you can turn into the parking lot from the Main Street in front of the center, you can't make a left turn out of the center onto the same Main Street. You have to drive through the entire shopping center to find a side street where you can turn left even if it means taking the side street and driving behind the shopping center 2-3 blocks away. Idahoians do not know how to merge onto the freeway/hiway. You have to break to let them on because they will not gain the right speed to merge smoothly. We could not find the boise green belt by directions off the internet which is a lack of updates from whoever manages such things. It's not the first time since we've been here that this has happened. I'm laughing but very frustrated at the same time. End of rant lol!!
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Stacey,

I read yesterday that your FIL passed away. I'm so sorry about that, and just wanted to offer my condolences.
You and your husband were very dedicated caregivers to him. May his spirit soar very high.

Much Love & Light,
Margeaux
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My white count has been slightly elevated the last 2 years. It does bug me a bit but my dr has reassured me it is not cause for alarm. He did redo the test a few months later with no change.
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Madge, Glad, it took me a minute to figure out you guys are referring to! Hahahaha! Yeah, wrong way to put it! You guys and this site are the best friends!

I slept and feeling better.  I'm tempted to just relaaaaax for a bit after yesterday but I'm in a phase of my life where it's going to take a lot of work to get things on track and I've been reading and thinking about some motivational thoughts, the idea of finding Joy in the Work. Time to get busy!

Golden, I'm glad you have your lab, and agree with Stacey - hopefully it's "just" gloves but I'd want to know, too.

Stacey, I've had blood tests come back with elevated white blood cell counts before, used to happen every test for years. I think it's related to autoimmune issues. You know, of course, the stress you've been under will kick up some autoimmune reactions if you're susceptible to them. I think autoimmune plays a big role in why I get all my common physical ailments, including the anxiety. My stress goes up and something in my body goes a bit sideways. I'm wishing you a super relaxing vacation time with husband. Being out in majestic nature is always soothing to me.

Sharyn, thank you. I didn't realize you were looking for work, too. Good luck!

Happy Friday to everyone. Hope it's a nice fall weekend for you.
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Ali, I hear you with all the work, uncertainty, etc with moving. It has been a very rough undertaking for me too. Even though I have my hubs and dd, the unpacking and placement of things is my domain. I still have yet to put any pictures up on the walls. I don’t regret moving yet there are times I want to go home ( California). My reason is I feel I don’t have freedom here because poor dd is texting me first thing in the morning wanting to know what I want to do today!! I love dd and the boys but honestly, I need a few days break in between them being here. Lol!!! Get rest Ali, I found with moving I tire out and just need to be still.

No word on the job front as yet.

Stacey, anxiety attacks. Great that you went to the dr quickly. I had to take beta blockers after my mom passed away too. Enjoy the redwoods, it is a beautiful drive on 101. Lake Tahoe will be pretty this time of year too.

We are settling into the 60’s here with some frost in the mornings. Yes there are areas with pretty fall color. Going to take a walk along the Greenbelt/Boise River.

Golden, finally a lab that will test it, good news!! I can well imagine you are relieved.

Enjoy the day in a manner that is best for you!
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Madge I thought the same thing. Ali, aren't we friend's😢
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Glad, In general the leaves here weren't the prettiest this year. Now they're past peak. Nova Scotia might be a little better. This hasn't been a big tourist season from what I've read in the newspaper.
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Ali,
we're not friends? 😂😂
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Stacey,
If you are near Stateline and want to splurge in Tahoe go to the chart house for dinner and reserve a table by the window before sundown
If you like Italian then try Scuzi
I love Tahoe
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Hi all, well yesterday, my chest wall pain, stress and Anxiety symptoms started to act up again, and this time I wasn't going to wait and end up in hospital like last time in July! So I saw my Dr, and yep, it's the old post caregiving Trifecta, and my Dr did all sorts of tests, again, all normal except for the elevated white count, Again, and there was no way I was going to the hospital again, where they ran every known test to man and came up empty handed and found no infection nor hot Gallbladder, so she started me on Buspirone and beta blocker, to calm my fight or flight hormone surges, in hopes that I can get this back under control quickly, and get my head on straight!

We leave bright and early tomorrow, 4am, to sunny California! Then over to Lake Tahoe, and you probably won't be hearing from me for week, as I intend on going very low Internet usage, ON THE DOWN LOW, as they say! My husband deserves at least that much from me, after all we've been through these past 6 months! I'm gonna do my level best to concentrate on our marriage, relaxing, and having a good time together, to remind ourselves why we fell in love in the first place all those years ago. I think it can be done, Lol!

Golden, Yea you found a lab! I hope the substance turns out to be simple glove powder, reacted to the absorbing acid in the soda. Still a very strange situation!

UpsetSister, good luck with your launch!

Glad, Snow? No Way! Hope we don't see any of that on our trip!

SharynM, how's the kids and pups? I'll bet its beautiful in your neck of the woods!

Rainy, hiya Love, hope all is fine with you!

Send, Love you Girl!

Jessie Love, just Jheez Jessie, that Mother of yours! Lol!

Alli, hang in there Sweetie!

CM, hi love!

Where the heck is Margeaux? Lol!

Trying, hey girl!

Cmagnum,  hi Buddy! 

Ya'll take care this week! Love, Stacey
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Ali, just get some sleep, you deserve it! Do not think about what needs to be done next, it will be there to figure out when you are rested. Just turn off that brain switch.🌜
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thx upset They said they can do the analysis. I want to move this process on. We are nearly done with the insurance claim. It would be good to have only the regular things to do. Those and getting ready to sell next year are enough for me. Pj is a treasure! I had 3 boys and several extras at times in the teens. It worked out fine. The 12 year old is talented!

glad - I looked on the internet and late September through early October is good for colouring in NS. Of course that can vary for any year. They may be lucky. We are surprised it was so difficult to find a lab too and relieved that we have.
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Someone at work is heading to Nova Scotia next week for vacation to view the changing leaves and color. My first thought was "isn't it too late for Nova Scotia?" I have no idea. Golden? Upset? It is too late in the mountains here. Just guessing too late for Nova Scotia too? I didn't say anything to this person as I just have no idea.

Golden, great you found a lab. Very surprised that was so difficult!
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Golden, So happy you found a lab. I hope find what out what the mystery material is.

Ali, Hope the anxiety eases up.

One more day to work on the center. PJ has been a big help with last minute details and also training some of the staff on software we're going to be using. We're completely booked up for next week for both individual assistance and groups.

I'm getting used to the boys. The twins are fun, pranksters and very friendly. Twelve yr old is quieter, good student and avid reader. He sings in a boys choir, plays the piano and plays 7th grade flag football.
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Finally after much research, many phone calls and emails by R and I, we have found a lab in E'ton that will do the testing. I am surprised that some of the other labs could not point us in their direction. I have told them that I want to know if the material is human tissue, disintegrated by the acid of the soda. The contact I have there cautioned us to hang onto the bottle and contents, and not send them to the company until we have our own results, which is exactly what we intend to do. So moving along... I asked for an estimated cost range and they are preparing it. I guess I should go to the press about it at some point. but I really don't want to.

AB health sent information about the ratings for facilities, so I checked the website out, and compared one we listed with the one mother is in, and it rates a bit better in most areas. That makes me feel good as she is happy and generally well cared for where she is (apart from the meds mistakes).

Starting to look for an interim/transition living arrangement in E'ton. I am not up to the heroics that some of you have gone through, or are going through. I need to make this as easy on me as possible.

Did something to one knee walking in the woods last week, and finally it is getting better with the help of a nsaid which is also making me sleep well at night and be dopey in the daytime, so I am cutting back on it. I like a good sleep, but can't handle anything making me dopey in the daytime,.

The leaves are falling now, but the show was great for a while. Looks like they are finally cleaning up across the street, so we can look forward to not having heavy equipment noises before 7 a.m. any more. Yay!

Take care all and do something good for you.
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duck -sorry your mum is getting worse. I think you have to leave your sis and nephew out of the the loop, Just do what you have to do.

ali - hope it all works out well. This is a very emotional time for you. I am with madge - treat yourself, maybe whether you get reimbursed or not! What a day you have had!!! I do think you will find the split seam funny at some point, but it must have been the last straw today. Pat yourself in the back. You are doing well. Personally, I hate moving.

whirled - welcome! We all hate dysfun families. I hear you about feeling alone. Only those who have been through it understand. Others think you are nuts. BTDT. Good for you for looking after dad.

Brenda - welcome to you too. Glad is a real expert on flooding situations. I hope you get something sorted out in your favour. It isn't any good for you to live where you are depressed and angry.

stacey - that was very scary. I am glad the cop put him in his place. I am glad too that the family events after fil's passing went well and am not surprised that you got emotional. You gave so much to him. You will be off on a wonderful holiday soon. Enjoy - you deserve it.

upset - The bathroom arrangement sounds good. You have worked so hard getting the center going. Prayers for Sunday to go well. The community support has been amazing. I an sure it will be a tremendous boon for the caregivers.

chris - you have made some progress since your dad wants to know if it gets worse. Good for you.

erin - cleaning is good, I should do more!

Oh jessie - first the floors moving and now water accumulating. I don't know how you do it. Enough crazy for a lifetime for sure.

glad - that was too bad about L and the cyst and a good lesson to deal with things sooner rather than later. 

sharyn - let us know how the job application goes

Wondering how everyone is - trying, guest, margeaux, heart, cm, rainey,and everyone else who posted somewhat regularly.

I have been busy and will address that in a separate post.
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Definitely having an anxiety attack for several hours now. It's manageable and I took a little medicine just now to help. A lot of stressful things coincided today and one stressful thing - the MOVE - would've been enough, thank you. I'm glad I have this thread. I don't want to burden friends or family and what can they say to help, anyway? I did realize on the hour drive back to house tonight that, if nothing else, it will be good to live in a location where there is so much nice diversion close by if I need to get out and take my mind off things for a bit.

Edit:  just saw your posts, Pam and Upset, and Thank You!!  I know it's just a lot on one day.  Whew!  Thank you!!  (((((hugs!))))) and thanks for the kind words and reassurance.  
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