Replies to 'When a Family Member Gets Sick'

Mohabee96

I also hope you're still checking the message boards....

Because I finally logged on, and came across your E-Mail.  I hope you still can find some benefit from my opinion. 

I had this all written out a few nights ago, but then what I call "the computer blues" happened, somehow, I lost it all, so, here I go again.

Most importantly, realize I'm no professional, I've no affiliations, degrees or anything other than my own personal opinion as a care giver. Without enough help or relief helpers, this leaves little free time.

I realize this is a note from almost a year ago that I'm only just now reading....

However, IF, you're lucky enough, to still have one or both parents STILL in their own home...."Keep them there ! as long as humanly possible !"

The familiar surroundings, routine, as much of the same as what they used to do as possible, is what will help keep them from becoming, less functional as quickly perhaps.

As to the difference between Altzeihmers and Dementia, again my opinion ONLY !

I believe with Dementia, you're able to remember MOST of the past well, however, the most recent events, especially conception of time, they come in and out like waves, with most recent events, being on an always outgoing tide.

Whereas, with Altzeihmers, most, if not all, is no longer within their grasp. I believe it to be "the most cruelest affliction" as in most cases the body is fine, the afflicted might just not know what to do ? how ? or when ? and why ?

The saving grace for Altzeihmer's is they're not aware how bad off they might be. Whereas with Dementia, there's moments, time periods of total clarity....they unfortunately might be aware something's amis.

Now, as to Parkinson's, I came into the care of a "stubborn, independant, Scottish lady in her late 80's. The whole time she stayed in the home she kept her whole adult lifetime, she did as well as can be expected. I gave her as much privacy, and independance as possible, but stepping in was neccessary at times.  I'd say well over a decade in her home with the affliction taking it's toll.

However, after losing a majority of family, to moving away, or passing on, as well as her last dog....As "they" say, that was the straw that broke the camels back."

Shortly afterwards, it became neccessary to put her in the unfamiliar territory of a home....Well, in my opinion, her decline was swift. I recall it might have been a year, but less than 2 in that facility.  She is survived by 2 sisters, 91, 104, they however were spared the affliction of Parkinson's, which of course is an advantage.

Suffice to say, rally as much of the troops, relatives, friends, aquaintances as possible. Access as many help organizations and agencies as you're able, set up a support system to relieve you of some of the aid neccessary to keep them in your life and you in theirs.

In my opinion "Keep them home and as active as possible !" "Familiarity, breeds longevity...." Best of Luck, Sthipkens.