Caring for an elderly parent

[anotherseeker]

Is there more to all these situations? I got tears in my eyes from the hardships, stress, lack of support, and needs expressed. And, yes, I am encouraged by the words of hope and offered. I am "brand new" to the ( hand-me-down) computer, but old to caregiving for 12 years. My parents have been married 71 yrs. and God and I almost single-handedly keep them in their own home. Muchas gracias for hearing.

 

[camping family]

I too am in this same boat with other posters here. My mom lives my wife and I and our 14 year old twin boys. She has constant needs from me, so much that I can't hardly get out of the house. My wife is out of town every weekend, taking care of her dad who is dying of cancer. Both of us are literally doing everything for our parents that we have little time for ourselves. Her dad is not expected to make it another two months; he was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in March of last year and we were both helping and supporting him. But my mom had taken a turn for the worse a couple months ago, which has forced me to stay home on weekends while she goes about an hour away to be with her dad.
Mom's needs are many. She has diabetes, CHF, COPD, and we think dementia is starting to set in. She's been hospitalized three times in just the last five weeks. I hate to say this, and others here can probably relate.... But it seems like a blesssing when she's hospitalized for a couple days or so; I can actually get out of the house. Last weekend felt like a Godsend when I found she was going to be released 6 hours later than was originallly planned because she needed two units of blood ( forgot to mention, she also is anemic with a low hemoglobin level). This extra time meant I was gonna get to see my kid's band ensemble at a neighboring high school.

But such breaks are few and far between. Some days she can be self dependent, others I have to dress her and stick her meds in her mouth for her, as was the case this morning.
I'm currently typing this on my Iphone on our front porch with a little break with her napping after lunch. But soon enough, any time now, I'll be hearing her call my name, needing either a blanket, help in the restroom, refilling her water glass, taking her shoes on or off, or Lord knows whatever else.

We used to be avid, regular campers, thus my username; now we can't even be in the back yard for any length of time without checking on her.

Anyways, I wanted to let others on this thread to know you're not alone in your frustration of raising parents. It's tough, but not impossible without each other's support and prayer.

Also, a very special thanks to those on this thread who are not taking care of their parents but who read our threads, feel our anguish and keep us in your prayers.

God Bless You

Bill