How would you answer this question? Mom and I have gotten our first COVID-19 vaccine and the relief I feel is palpable. We can not and will not let our guard down even after this process is complete, but the anxiety of trying to get an appointment and the feeling of comfort it brings to know we have started the process is real. Mom was nervous about getting vaccinated … [Read more...]
Prolonged Grief – Are You Stuck In A State Of Chronic Grieving For Someone Who Has Died?
“At its core, grief is a reaction to a change that you didn’t want or ask for” David Kessler, grief expert and author. Prolonged grief is a recognized diagnosis that occurs when an individual continues to have an intense longing or preoccupation with someone who has died. A person with prolonged grief has difficulty accepting the death. They can feel as if they have lost a … [Read more...]
Why Is ‘NO’ So Often The Answer Our Aging Parent Give Us?
Even more frustrating, is when a yes changes to no. Mom’s recent hospital visit was hard on both of us but it was an opportunity to reset her health and how she moves around in her home. Because she was admitted and stayed three nights, Medicare pays for Home Health visits which includes Physical and Occupational therapy in addition to nursing.. I can see a difference in her … [Read more...]
Suddenly A Fire Alarm Goes Off. My Worst Nightmare As A Caregiver.
On a Sunday afternoon not long ago, mom and I had almost completed a long list of things we needed to accomplish to get her ready for the day. Suddenly, an alarm went off in the basement. I ran out as mom was putting on her sweatshirt, grabbed my phone and started dialing 911 as I ran down the basement steps. I expected to find smoke and flames coming out of the dryer since … [Read more...]
Thank You. Two Words That Mean The World To A Caregiver.
“Caregiving is hard, even on the good days when it brings happiness. It requires commitment, dedication, determination and time.” First Lady Rosalynn Carter As someone who has been a family caregiver for seven years, there has been a marked increase this last year in the number of hours mom needs hands-on care and that is on top of keeping her safe in the middle of a … [Read more...]