-
Sending extra love and support to Colleen during a difficult time
If you’ve noticed, our lovely moderator, @Colleen has been away for the past few days, and as many of you know, she is the primary caregiver for both of her elderly parents. Over the weekend, her father had a fall, which I’m sure was very upsetting for her. She took him to the ER, where he was admitted and stayed overnight for observation, elevated blood pressure, and the skin tears from the fall.
I spoke with her this evening, and she mentioned that she finally got some much-needed rest last night. Thankfully, her dad is back home now, but she’s still shouldering a heavy burden as she cares for both parents. Supporting aging parents is never easy—she’s managing both while also navigating the complexities of dementia.
This is a tough time for her, and I know she could truly use our love, encouragement, and positive thoughts right now. Let’s keep her in our hearts and wish her strength and peace as she continues to face these challenges.
Colleen, you are deeply loved and cared for, my dear friend.💜 Please remember, you’re not alone, and don’t hesitate to accept any help or support that comes your way.🤗🙏
-
10 Replies
-
That’s a very sweet note, @jen-cueva .
I’m sorry to hear about your father’s fall, @Colleen . My grandfather took a fall last year that resulted in an ER visit, and it was surprisingly challenging time and road to recovery. He’s very lucky to have you as a caregiver.
Sending thoughts and prayers your way!
-
@JFerg, I’m sorry to hear that your grandfather also took a bad fall that required hospitalization. How is he doing now? It is so hard to keep them safe when they become frail, yet are determined to move around.
They admitted my dad more because his blood pressure sky rocketed and they couldn’t get it down. Personally I wish they could have kept him more than a day because the wound on his arm is nasty and caring for it is stressful.
Thank you for the kind message!
-
-
You’re in my thoughts and prayers as you catch up on more rest while navigating the care of your parents.
-
@V.R. Peterson Thank you! I appreciate your comforting support!
-
-
Colleen, I’m right there with you. Please don’t hesitate to get help when you need it. Maybe look into a respite care location for one or both of your parents for a day or two. That would give you the break you need to regain strength to carry on. And if that isn’t possible, try a bubble bath! That always helped me relax. Hugs, my PHriend.
-
@Terese Tuohey I just learned about respite care from a social worker while my dad was hospitalized. I heard of respite care, but didn’t realize it’s there for the caretakers so they can have a break. It is something I am going to look into. I just hope it’s not too expensive.
-
-
Thank you @jen-cueva for sharing Colleen’s challenging role taking care of both parents physically, emotionally and mentally.
@Colleen , our hearts, prayers and love embrace you. This has to be such a tough and emotional time for you. Dealing with dementia really takes it toll and drains your energy. For those who have dementia is so difficult, so frustrating. Their world is turned upside down and for the caregiver their world is also turned upside down.
We are sending you all the positive energy we can and encougement to remember to take time out when you can to pit your feet up and breath. Warm hugs filled with love Colleen.
-
Thank you, @carol-volckmann ! Cullen returns to college in a few weeks, and before he does, I’ve been trying to get out once in a while. I went to lunch with friends on Sunday, Cullen and I went out to lunch today, and I have another friend who has reached out about getting together.
Thank you for caring and reaching out to me! I really appreicate it!
-
-
@jen-cueva Your post has me choked up. Words can never express just how much your love, support, and understanding mean to me!
Dad is doing well for the most part but cleaning his wound and dressing it is excruciating for him and he begs me not to do it! I feel so bad and nervous because I worry about infection and whether I’m caring for the wound properly even though I was instructed by a wound care specilist.
I appreciate the support from our forum members and ask for prayers and positive vibes for my parents and for me. I admit to feeling some burn-out.
-
Dear Colleen, Yes, Look into respite care! and please also look into getting a sitter for your folks for a couple of hours maybe two days a week so you can get out. Right now, Cullen is home, but that won’t be for long. Maybe one of the local colleges has a School of Social Work? Those students need hours of “practicum” with real world situations. Maybe one could be assigned to help you so you can go shopping with peace of mind? I was able to do that to help my Mom. It worked until she got worse. Your socialworker from the hospital can help with this.
Log in to reply.