I am aware of several members who have gone above and beyond in providing caretaker assistance to an elderly parent. These selfless folks endure a tremendous amount of emotional pain and inconvenience in the efforts to provide loving comfort and support.
In many cases folks have relocated and even moved in with their parent in this effort. Some separating temporarily from their own family to do so.
Many of these elderly are afflicted by major medical issues including cancer which present additional challenges.
These are the unsung heroes of the times as the needs of the aging baby boomer generation far outweighs the system's ability to provide.
Again to all those souls, thank you for what you do.
Certifiable member of the gun toting, septuagenarian, bucket list workin', crazed retiree, bald is beautiful club! USN (RET), COTEP #192
Posts: 16560 | Location: Black Hills of South Dakota | Registered: June 20, 2010
Thank you Bald1. Until one has lived that life and earned that T-shirt they have no idea how rough it can get. Having said that, we went into our situation because we wanted to be able to look back and have zero regrets. It was tough at times but we have no regrets and would do it again in a heartbeat. We were blessed to be in a position that we could do it.
Posts: 2081 | Location: Indiana or Florida depending on season | Registered: March 18, 2012
I have to thank my kids and grand kids who have helped and supported my 100 year old mother. I have been with POA etc for about 15 years. One grandkid is also POA. The kids in-laws have also been great. Three generations all pitching in caring for their Gramma
SIGnature NRA Benefactor CMP Pistol Distinguished
Posts: 6422 | Location: Oregon | Registered: September 01, 2001
Thanks for the post Bob. It is sad how many children don’t see the obligation to take care of their parents after what they did and sacrificed to raise them. A well raised child should be indebted to their parents. I personally chose to not have children, so I sure as hell hope I stay in good health, or my retirement life insurance keeps me in good care!
NRA Benefactor Life Member
Posts: 8803 | Location: The Lone Star State | Registered: July 07, 2008
I check into my new Command tomorrow. Gonna be a real conversation with the CO that I won’t be at work hardly ever.
He hasn’t left his chair in 3 days. The week before chemo seems to be the worst, his 3rd round starts Wednesday. He’s down another 8-10 pounds, you can see his shoulder blades through his shirts. Always cold.
He used to never stop going, always outside. Even if it was setting by the fire every evening. Hoping he gets to feeling better with all the good stuff they pump in before his first chemo on Wed.
ETA: Bald1, you’re a good man. Hope to have a mutually prepared dinner with you at some point.
10 years to retirement! Just waiting!
Posts: 6673 | Location: Georgia | Registered: August 10, 2009
Originally posted by 12131: Honour thy father and thy mother.
Absolutely! Sadly not each sibling acts accordingly so sometimes one has do take on more responsibility to take care of their parents. I always say, why can’t people just do the right thing?
NRA Benefactor Life Member
Posts: 8803 | Location: The Lone Star State | Registered: July 07, 2008
Originally posted by OttoSig: I check into my new Command tomorrow. Gonna be a real conversation with the CO that I won’t be at work hardly ever.
He hasn’t left his chair in 3 days. The week before chemo seems to be the worst, his 3rd round starts Wednesday. He’s down another 8-10 pounds, you can see his shoulder blades through his shirts. Always cold.
He used to never stop going, always outside. Even if it was setting by the fire every evening. Hoping he gets to feeling better with all the good stuff they pump in before his first chemo on Wed.
ETA: Bald1, you’re a good man. Hope to have a mutually prepared dinner with you at some point.
Otto, I saw your other post. Hang in there! Find and cook good, easy to eat, but healthy fattening meals. When my mom started treatment she was down to 108 pounds and considered at a dangerous weight. I bought lots of the Kate Farms protein drinks and cooked my mom healthy fatty meals. I got her back up to 140 pounds. Email in my profile if you ever want to talk offline.
NRA Benefactor Life Member
Posts: 8803 | Location: The Lone Star State | Registered: July 07, 2008
My wife is a truly special person when it comes to care for the elderly. When we moved to Utah from NJ we took my in-laws, both near 80 and she cared for them until they passed, 2 and 8 years. The ability to manage their health needs and psychologically with the aging/dementia made her special.
People that care for their parents are special and deserve recognition.
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"Nature scares me" a quote by my friend Bob after a rough day at sea.
Not only do you have the implications of time and cost, you have other family members who, while not willing to get involved in the operation, have definite ideas on how things should be. All without the benefit of the realities of the situation.
The snakes come out of the closet, and you find yourself fighting a two front war.