May 11, 2013
Change and yet more change
I decided late Friday night that I would fly to Edmonton on Monday morning and join my parents at their appointment with their family Doctor. They are both actually seeing this Dr. at the same time so not only will Mom’s recent problems be reviewed but Dad’s also. As some of you may know I do have a nursing degree in my background so this may come in handy. Dad likes to call me Dr. Bossy! So I have cancelled my leg veins for Monday and Tuesday and that just might be it until 2014. Just way too much on my plate.
Both my parents are fiercely independent and will never go into a home. They live in a lovely condo overlooking the Edmonton river valley. A few years ago I was instrumental in arranging for daily home care visits. These visits have increased to several visits per day in the last few years. For a while Mom was Dad’s caregiver and now he is hers. It really is not a great situation but they have managed very very well. Until now that is.
Plus yesterday Mom fell and than again at midnight while in the bathroom she fell again. This time she hit her head and fell on her back. She did not want him to call 911 so he tried for an hour to lift her off the floor himself. Of course he could not and likely almost suffered a heart attack in his attempt. Dad…please please please call 911 and someone will be sent to help you. Meanwhile finally at 1:00AM he called my sister who came to assist. Despite head and back issues Mom would not go to the hospital. Then just this morning there was another incident of another sort. All I can is is that is was not good!
So I am booked to go Monday and will have to return back to Kelowna Tuesday evening. I have a few personal medical appointments to deal with on Wednesday and on Thursday. I am not ashamed to say that I have requested wheelchair service at the airport. I think it will really be of value to me.
I am sad to have to cancel my visits with my Edmonton friends in June and I will have no time so see them this trip. But….I have a feeling I may be back in Edmonton before long.
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Really sorry to hear about all your parents problems. And it is so hard when you can’t always be there to help. My aunt and uncle moved from an apartment in Ft St John to an assisted living apartment in Penticton and they have never been happier. They love the place. They have their own apartment with a kitchen but don’t ever have to cook or clean if they don’t want to. They have help right on hand if they ever need it. 7k7
Thank you for your advice, thoughts and support.
I really am happy with my decision to meet the Dr. tomorrow. It was a quick and easy decision once I found out they had the appointment.
As to the assisted living, I can’t seem them in a facility like that. They would both just give up and die. They are not social people but more homebodies and outside of the caregiver visits have few friends. I hope to find ways to make them more comfortable and safe in their home.
I think you are doing the right thing, at least you can assess the situation yourself. Wish you luck!
Assisted living facilities are wonderful places. Stan’s mom was in a first class place, the nicest home she’d ever had. If you don’t want to cook they have gourmet meals and you are still very independent. There’s just someone seconds away to help when needed.
Yes, good decision. You will feel better about the situation being there to hear and see everything first hand. Best wishes!
Good idea to get there and check things out for yourself.
I am sure things will work out for you.
Sorry to hear about situation, yes it might be time to get them into a assisted living place, sometimes there is a waiting list!! Good luck!!!