Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Aging Parents


My mom called me early this morning. I was surprised because she doesn't usually call so early. She was slurring her speech, saying "I can't... I can't...". I realized something was wrong; she couldn't complete a sentence. I called my sister who lives close to Mom and asked her to go over and check on her. I called another sister, a doctor, who is on vacation with her family in Maine. My sister took Mom to the emergency room and she has now been admitted. Mom has had an MRI and CT scan, and is waiting to be seen by a neurologist. It seems she has had a stroke.

Mom has been living by herself since May, when Dave, her husband of sixteen years had a stroke. He has been in and out of the hospital and nursing home. Two weeks ago he was staying with his son, when he fell and broke his nose and several cervical vertebrae. Now he is back in the hospital. Mom can't stay in their house much longer; it's too much for her to maintain. So, on Monday my sister and I took her to look at some senior living apartments.

So now Mom is is one hospital and Dave is in another hospital. What will be Mom's outcome? We don't know. Will she be able to return home where she lives alone? Will she be able to live in an apartment or will she have to go to a nursing home? What about David? He is in the hospital now but can not stay there indefinitely. His son is trying to get him into a VA home. Their future is uncertain at the moment. My three sisters and I are trying to help them figure it all out.

6 comments:

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Catching a stroke early... as soon as possible, is critical, they say... so I am glad that you were able to get help to her. Judy, I am so sorry... this has not been an easy journey, and it only seems to get more complicated. What heartache, for all of you. ((hugs))

judy in ky said...

I know, it gets complicated. I have friends who have gone through this with their parents, and they are a big help. Thank you so much for your thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I am so sad to read this Judy. My heart goes out to your Mum and Dave and to you and your sisters in dealing with this. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers and hope all paths lead to more positive outcomes, particularly medically, for your mother and Dave.
How good was your Mum to get on to help as soon as she could, and lovely that she has you girls to come to the rescue. I can imagine how hard this is for everyone on both a physical and emotional level. Hang in there.

judy in ky said...

Thank you so much, Pam. My sister and I were with her all day yesterday and she was doing much better and was in good spirits.

Unknown said...

I’m so sorry about what had happened to your parents. I hope they are already in good condition by now. You should have someone who will take care of them at home. Incidences like this can be avoided if there is a caregiver who will always look after them. I know how hard it is for you and your sister. Just be strong and be positive that everything will get better.

*Carl Brighton

Unknown said...

It must have been so hard for all of you to take in this bad incident. I hope they’re both fine now. Carl is right. They must’ve an in-house caregiver who will look after them 24-hours a day. It’s not good to let your grandma stay in the house alone, especially now that she had a stroke. Taking them in a nursing would be a great idea. There, their health condition will be observed and addressed at all times. ->Taneka Carl