
Many of us, myself included, come from a dysfunctional family which adds a lot of weight to the challenges of caregiving. I have read stores on various threads on other topics and decided it would be good to have a thread just for this topic for people to share, vent and discuss.
The idea for this thread originated on the thread named "The Caregiver....How are YOU doing today?"
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.
Oregongirl, that sounds so wounderful to pick up and start all over. Takes a lot of guts to even think about.
Ali, hang in there step by step.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
we're not friends? 😂😂
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
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
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.
Golden, great you found a lab. Very surprised that was so difficult!
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.
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.
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.
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.