Retired and caring for parent?
I was wondering if there were other people out there who would like to travel more,possibly full time,but are now caring for aging parent? We are caring for parent with Alzheimer's and,as much as we...
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My daddy moved in with us during the last two years of his life. We were SO FORTUNATE that he had his mind. His lungs, heart and body were just worn out.
While it did curtail our travel, it was one of the best times of my life. We talked and I learned things just by listening that I never knew. I also found things when cleaning out his house (where I came home from the hospital to)prior to selling. The best find were 'love letters' from him to Mama. This was in early 40's and he would leave home and travel the rails looking for work. I am amazed about how often and thorough were his letters. When I asked him where were Mama's letters, he told me in no uncertain terms, "I was living in boarding houses; there was not room to keep anything!"
I would not trade that time with Daddy for anything. I also want to say what a 'saint' my husband was. He liked Daddy and that helped but he never once complained when my priorities shifted to caring for Daddy instead of enjoying our retirement with each other.
For those of you going through this difficult time without support from family and friends, you have my utmost respect and sympathy. When the family member is suffering from dementia, it makes is so much harder. I applaud your efforts and patience.
Diann
While it did curtail our travel, it was one of the best times of my life. We talked and I learned things just by listening that I never knew. I also found things when cleaning out his house (where I came home from the hospital to)prior to selling. The best find were 'love letters' from him to Mama. This was in early 40's and he would leave home and travel the rails looking for work. I am amazed about how often and thorough were his letters. When I asked him where were Mama's letters, he told me in no uncertain terms, "I was living in boarding houses; there was not room to keep anything!"
I would not trade that time with Daddy for anything. I also want to say what a 'saint' my husband was. He liked Daddy and that helped but he never once complained when my priorities shifted to caring for Daddy instead of enjoying our retirement with each other.
For those of you going through this difficult time without support from family and friends, you have my utmost respect and sympathy. When the family member is suffering from dementia, it makes is so much harder. I applaud your efforts and patience.
Diann
