-
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.🤗🙏
-
16 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.
-
@Terese Tuohey I never thought of looking into Social Workers who need hours. @cullen-steele Any thoughts on this?
-
-
Missing the conversations and the sharing that got me thru 1st being diagnosed with PHA (PH), met with the head PH expert at Emory and I was informed that I had been treated for the wrong type of PH. I am no longer facing immediate death or disability, that I can slowly die from dialysis and AFIB, among other things. I now truly appreciate everyday. No longer worry about the future. No longer wish for the heart or kidney transplant, being over 70 years old and not considered for these procedures. I am content with where I am.
Wishing the very best to all the people on this forum. It is great to network with people suffering with the same or similar aliments. ” SHARING IS TRULY CARING”
-
SHARING IS TRULY CARING 💖. Thank you Jim for your thoughtful message and sharing with the forum where you are – a spiritual message that I have taken into my heart and reach out to you with loving warm hugs. A reminder for me to be greatful and thankful each and every day and to be a peace just where I am today. I am 81 and treasure the moments as you have reminded me to do. Thank you Jim with all my heart ❤️.
-
@Jimi Mcintosh Thank you so much for updating us! My concern about your health will continue, but I am so happy to hear you have settled into a peaceful, positive state of mind. You have crossed my mind often, and I hope you will continue to share with us, the good and the bad! We will always be here for you. Sharing IS truly caring!
-
-
@Colleen Many prayers and thoughts with you. I have had a hard time logging on for a while, but I was determined to let you know I am thinking about you and your family.
Prayers for your fathers fast healing and recovery from his fall! My father fell down the stairs at 90 and he handled better than I did I think … so scary!
-
@Ky, thank you! My dad (knock wood) is doing much better. I took him to the wound care specialist this week, and the awful skin tear to his arm is healing nicely. Blood pressure could still be better, but for the most part, he is doing well.
I talked my parents into a stair lift several years ago. They both use it. I’ve asked them not to do this, but sometimes in the morning as one go down, the other stands at the top of the stairs waiting for their turn. In my nightmares, I picture them tumbling down, so I can imagine how scary that was when it happened to your grandfather! I hope his injuries were too severe!
I’m sorry that you have had difficulties logging in. Do you think that problem is resolved now? Please let us know if you continue to have issues. I hope other members aren’t struggling too.
If anyone has problems logging in but can read this, you may email me at…
-
Log in to reply.