tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post5851647985988694486..comments2024-03-22T18:15:57.909-04:00Comments on A Haven for Vee: Counting the Cost of CaregivingVeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00618654361869856894noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-82797986973514224322010-04-04T22:39:54.519-04:002010-04-04T22:39:54.519-04:00Hope you and your family had a very Happy Easter!
...Hope you and your family had a very Happy Easter!<br /><br />Christ is Risen!Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoritihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08922525910685129822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-72309760370757181852010-04-03T09:31:41.885-04:002010-04-03T09:31:41.885-04:00Blessings to you dear Vee. I do send hugs and bes...Blessings to you dear Vee. I do send hugs and best wishes your way as you have so much on your plate. I said a little prayer for you the first time I read this and another as I read it again. <br /><br />Enjoy your Easter, your grandchildren, and a little time for yourself.<br /><br />JenJenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16873081089753668041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-61166280540882103942010-04-03T00:02:02.036-04:002010-04-03T00:02:02.036-04:00Thank you for this post. As our aging parents liv...Thank you for this post. As our aging parents live longer, we are all facing some form of this, and I thank God for those, like you, who can provide this care. I am thankful that my mother and mother-in-law both have their sound minds, but we have weathered some physical problms. And it causes me to wonder what is in store for my own son as I age. I will pray for you and Nan. Such a struggle. <br /><br />Also, I will be sure that Cowgirl V sees this post. Right now she is gone the 9 hours away to visit her mother who has Alzheimer's, taking with her the newest little grandson, and knowing that Mom will not remembr him by the time they walk out of the room Such heartbreak! Love to you. C.Stickhorsecowgirlshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04167094045033324094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-78194067831057009902010-04-02T19:15:10.472-04:002010-04-02T19:15:10.472-04:00Vee,
I am so sad to hear about Nana. To help you...Vee,<br /><br />I am so sad to hear about Nana. To help you cope you might want to get the book, The 36 Hour Day. It has some great tips, advice, and helps for those who are caregivers to Alzheimer's or dementia patients. I have walked in your shoes with my precious mother-in-law. If you need a listening ear, I am here. If you need a prayer, I am here.Sandyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16262542152196076333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-1105061788629104852010-04-02T16:18:57.027-04:002010-04-02T16:18:57.027-04:00I am so sorry you are suffering. I do understand a...I am so sorry you are suffering. I do understand as my husband and I lived with his mother for a year when she was suffering from dementia.Cait O'Connorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04569760764766505179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-45398153230812314712010-04-02T14:06:56.310-04:002010-04-02T14:06:56.310-04:00Oh dear, sounds like you are going through a lot a...Oh dear, sounds like you are going through a lot and thinking a lot. You have a lot of strength, so sounds like you are dealing with it with humour anyway, but it is still tough. Have you read "Still Alice"? It is a wonderful book about Alzheimer's from the ill person's perspective. Will not help the caregiver, except perhaps with some understanding, even if it is not what she had.<br /><br />My mother cared for my father in the home for 15 years with his progressive neurological condition. He was an alcoholic and also a very mean person at times. He drank whenever he could get it until his buddies stopped coming to the house. Dad was never really a conscious person that way, totally selfish like most alcoholics. I think it made his illness harder for Mum to deal with. He was a jerk, unappreciative, definitely in terrible need of help, but wholly uncooperative. At least he never felt sorry for himself, but was very, very self-centered, slamming doors, banging things. His family rarely came to help. Mum was IT. I don't know how she survived caring for this thankless man, honestly. It is a wonder to me, still, that it didn't kill her. So in reflection, your situation is at least better since (a) you love your Nan and (b) she loves you, at least when she remembers too.<br /><br />Hang in there darling. Happy Easter.<br /><br />xo TerriWindlosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17014227226507484798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-47951695711686983542010-04-02T11:27:32.251-04:002010-04-02T11:27:32.251-04:00Vee,
Leza Gibbons wrote a book especially for the...Vee,<br /><br />Leza Gibbons wrote a book especially for the caregiver. Have a look for it, it is really wonderful.<br /><br />KarenAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01487481759201796912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-56146210671004108572010-04-02T11:25:49.521-04:002010-04-02T11:25:49.521-04:00Vee,
This is a wonderful list for a caregiver to ...Vee,<br /><br />This is a wonderful list for a caregiver to have, it is frank and perfect in every way. You know Vee Dementia is tricky. The caregiver knows way before a doctor ever makes a diagnosis. With Alzheimer's Disease, they have good days and bad ones. If you take someone with dementia to the doctor on a good day, they will pass with flying colors. Never doubt your gut instinct. <br /><br />Someone very close to me has Dementia, which are the symptoms of the disease which is Alzheimer's. My loved one wandered, and hid things, forgot words, got a little paranoid sometimes, and would get agitated alot. Constantly moving. Losing their balance, dressing funny, doing things in multiples.<br /><br />Keep reading, and keep taking time for yourself.<br /><br />I find if I don't have a break away, I am not as patient.<br /><br />Wishing you a peaceful Easter. <br /><br />Blessings, KarenAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01487481759201796912noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-75828645029971330432010-04-02T11:03:53.457-04:002010-04-02T11:03:53.457-04:00Hugs to you, Vee! Is it still too late for you to...Hugs to you, Vee! Is it still too late for you to 'count the cost'? You are a dear...and your grandmother sounds like a dear as well...but 24/7 might need some re-thinking. <br /><br />Wishing you and yours a most blessed Easter weekend.<br />JudyJudy https://www.blogger.com/profile/00929685771427155673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-70718652309129029642010-04-02T08:30:03.046-04:002010-04-02T08:30:03.046-04:00OT ...
I know. Commenting Off Topic is not supp...OT ... <br /><br />I know. Commenting Off Topic is not supposed to be done. ,-) <br /><br />But neither do I want to send an email, because you simply do not have the time for personal email.<br /><br />So ... <b><i>How is your back?????????</i></b>Auntie sezzzzzz...https://www.blogger.com/profile/16170232476926222740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-28265782455671561602010-04-01T21:15:02.048-04:002010-04-01T21:15:02.048-04:00A huge hug to you and lots of tears and prayers fo...A huge hug to you and lots of tears and prayers for all of you. For probably 10 or more years, my grandmother wandered at night. Sometimes she was awake and sometimes not really. It was a combination of not being able to sleep well and ???. She didn't have Alzheimer's, high blood pressure or much of anything other than just plain old age.<br /><br />One thing that was often overlooked, tho, was a urinary tract or bladder infection. Grandma would get really weird when she had one, and it would take us a little while to figure out what was wrong. We younger people can usually tell; I understand that the feeling/pain isn't felt so much in older people. Falls, confusion, and hallucinations are some symptoms of a UTI or bladder infection.<br /><br />PS I used to have to get quite firm about Grandma being tested.Packrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02986387347283221427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-53347077705778160482010-04-01T19:57:53.661-04:002010-04-01T19:57:53.661-04:00I could never, ever be a caregiver except for my h...I could never, ever be a caregiver except for my hubby. Anybody else would not live through the ordeal, LOL.<br /><br />Bless your heart for your patience and sacrifice. {{{hugs}}}Donnahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05347598432040432610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-74801351420236898292010-04-01T19:55:31.215-04:002010-04-01T19:55:31.215-04:00Just found you........you are a champion in my boo...Just found you........you are a champion in my book.<br /><br />Nuff' said.<br /><br />Blessings,<br /><br />JoMy Grama's Soulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10114089036939629527noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-76280571191814477582010-04-01T18:41:51.320-04:002010-04-01T18:41:51.320-04:00Oh, bless you, Vee!
((((hugs))))
LeahOh, bless you, Vee!<br /><br />((((hugs))))<br /><br />LeahLeah https://www.blogger.com/profile/06195153552536094357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-90938890091120574362010-04-01T14:29:25.966-04:002010-04-01T14:29:25.966-04:00Vee I will e-mail you my response as it's long...Vee I will e-mail you my response as it's long and with a history.<br /><br />I think you are being very brave but don't let misguided feelings of duty and guilt win over reason, and yours and your husband's own personal right to health and happiness.Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoritihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08922525910685129822noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-84969949107577541722010-04-01T13:39:29.567-04:002010-04-01T13:39:29.567-04:00I'm so glad to see a post on this subject beca...I'm so glad to see a post on this subject because it is a situation that many of us will find ourselves in at some point and it often happens without much warning. When my mom's Alzheimer's progressed to the point where her living situation had to change I found it daunting to suddenly be in charge of her care. Now that she is gone, I feel glad to have had that time to spend with her, but I would be less than honest to say it wasn't tough. In our case mom lived in an assisted living center, but every fall, hospitalization, hallucination, etc. required my attention. I can only imagine how much harder it is when you are caregiving in your own home. My heart goes out to you.<br />One last thought on the matter, I am seeing the toll caregiving takes on my brother-in-law and sister. When my sister had her stroke she was a very independent, highly educated woman. Now, nine months later, she is living at her mother-in-law's house reguiring around the clock care. My brother-in-law is doing a wonderful job caring for her, but often when I talk to him he sounds completely exhausted. I know that my sister hates to feel like a burden too. I feel bad for all of them.<br />Anyhow, sorry for rambling. I do think your post today is a really important topic as you can see.Happy@Homehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15748146424809856063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-27920768441978294942010-04-01T11:58:00.948-04:002010-04-01T11:58:00.948-04:00Hey, prayers are being sent up for you this mornin...Hey, prayers are being sent up for you this morning as you make decisions about your sweet Nan's care. Big hug to you friend~ VickieVickiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07741431727993692456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-24770746175749311422010-04-01T11:42:13.630-04:002010-04-01T11:42:13.630-04:00ps. i agree with aunt amelia!ps. i agree with aunt amelia!myletterstoemilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17555607498974287844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-65356600332413722232010-04-01T11:41:07.016-04:002010-04-01T11:41:07.016-04:00oh dear, i don't know how you do it!
i pray t...oh dear, i don't know how you do it!<br /><br />i pray that He will reward you with<br />every blessing to surpass the toll this<br />has taken on you and john.<br /><br />"for the joy set before Him . . ."<br /><br />love,<br />leamyletterstoemilyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17555607498974287844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-34503930397109358822010-04-01T11:12:22.139-04:002010-04-01T11:12:22.139-04:00We need to chat. I hear everything you are saying ...We need to chat. I hear everything you are saying and could probably add a few more things too, Vee. And my Dad had a very rapid form of Alzheimers. You do not want to know what having an elderly father run down the middle of the road screeching "she's abusing me" when I am trying to get him out of the road and certain death does to you. <br />Love and a huge hug, and thank heavens for a nurse who clearly sees well.Lindshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17141761866483224572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-15751506934177493282010-04-01T11:07:02.640-04:002010-04-01T11:07:02.640-04:00Oh Vee. . you are such a wonderful girl ..and I se...Oh Vee. . you are such a wonderful girl ..and I send you hugs as you try to sort out this time in your life with your grandma.<br />I smiled at the need for you to have a pill. <br />I think we all wonder what will become of us if we live to need care .. .she surely could never have guessed that you would be there so wonderfully for her .. .blessings.Lovella ♥https://www.blogger.com/profile/13870567090244361779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-27946253492803210652010-04-01T11:04:55.957-04:002010-04-01T11:04:55.957-04:00Vee, Where dO I start,?
You are one of the most in...Vee, Where dO I start,?<br />You are one of the most inspiring, if not the most inspiring person that i have met in blogland. Your devotion to your family has always touched my heart, not to mention your sharing of your devotion to God. I have never left here that i wasn't inspired, challenged and motivated.<br />I missed your last two post, but now have caught up. It seems I am always catching up on something. lol<br /><br />Your post about commenting is right on target, and I could have,should have, and might just write mine. I agree with all that you have written, so eloquently put... I am now going back to reread it.<br /><br />Sweet pictures from grandchildren just melt my heart.yours remind me of those that i get from my dear ones, and I have filed them away not only in a booklet, but in my heart too.<br />Thank you for your honesty and sincerity.<br /><br />May I wish you and your family a most blessed and Happy Easter weekend.<br />Hugs,<br />SueSuehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16949983164111997270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-24093113582645932332010-04-01T10:18:21.480-04:002010-04-01T10:18:21.480-04:00You have done it again!
Hit the nail on the hea...You have done it again! <br /> <br />Hit the nail on the head and stated it very well. <br /><br />We are waiting and watching for the future in our case. One doesn't know for sure what they will do until faced with the situation.<br /><br />Know that you are in my prayers.<br />I don't see anyone judging you, thankfully, nor should they for any decision you make in this case.<br />Only you and yours are walking this particular walk. <br /><br />Love, <br /><br />Becky K.Becky K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10531485758141842829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-49802577312230970072010-04-01T09:53:40.944-04:002010-04-01T09:53:40.944-04:00I cannot add to what you have written and others h...I cannot add to what you have written and others have commented on, Vee, so I will just send up a prayer for you, for your family and for your Nan. God bless you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4152193618785368659.post-12095697111637914662010-04-01T09:33:40.967-04:002010-04-01T09:33:40.967-04:00-sigh-
My heart goes out to you, as you know. Im...-sigh-<br /><br />My heart goes out to you, as you know. Imho, you have taken on too much, and you're beginning to see this. <br /><br />What I wish for you, is clarity. <br /><br />The kind of clarity, not clouded by the "duties," which are preached at us.<br /><br />The kind of clarity, which is necessary for self-preservation.<br /><br />Gentle hugs, my Dear Friend...Auntie sezzzzzz...https://www.blogger.com/profile/16170232476926222740noreply@blogger.com