DEAR CARALLEL: My sister and I are all each other has. Our mother passed away when she was only 59 and since then it’s been the two of us (and our pets of course). That’s how it’s been for 26 years and counting and we’ve managed pretty well, if I do say so myself. Although my … My sister needs a new doctor. Where do I start?
DEAR CARALLEL: I’ve always loved the holidays. Maybe too much seeing as though my sister calls me the “female Clark Griswold”. But I don’t buy it and think my family secretly appreciates my enthusiasm. My problem is that this year I have no idea how they sprung up on me so quickly and I can hardly … I don’t want to deal with the holidays this year. What should I do?
DEAR CARALLEL: Mom was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. Her treatment went well and she’s okay now but the experience took it’s toll. On Mom of course, and on Dad too. He seems tired and his diabetes is becoming harder to manage. My brother and I have been a good team in helping them when … We’ve got decisions to make but can’t talk about them!
DEAR CARALLEL: I’ve been helping my parents since the pandemic and as time has gone on, it has snowballed. Dad is 82 and he’s a shell of his former self while Mom is 77 and although she’s doing better than Dad, she is still dependent on me for everything. I thought it would get better when … I was surprised to be asked and surprised that I couldn’t answer. I have no idea how I’m doing!
DEAR CARALLEL: My husband has had a host of medical issues in recent years that have made me his caregiver. Physically he’s doing okay but his attitude is very different than it used to be. He’s still sweet most of the time but I never know when he’s going to turn on me. His moods are … I don’t know the first thing about making an emergency plan. Can you help?
DEAR CARALLEL: I’ve recently realized how much help my mother and father need and I’m overwhelmed. They are 79 and 83 respectively and until these last few weeks, I thought they were in good health and doing just fine. Sure, they slowed down a bit in recent years, especially dad, but I thought that seemed normal … I’m new to this. Where do I start?
DEAR CARALLEL: My wife was diagnosed with vascular dementia back in 2020, shortly after she retired from her job as a primary school teacher. She taught for 42 years and next to her family, there was nothing in the world that she loved more. Life has been different since the diagnosis but it hasn’t been half-bad. … I know what she’s saying isn’t true but when I say so, we argue.
DEAR CARALLEL: My mom died suddenly two years ago and my dad will be moving in with us in a couple of weeks. He was doing ok in the immediate aftermath of mom’s death, I think because he was in shock and running on adrenaline. He was still keeping to their routines and managing the house and staying … Dad’s moving in. My stress level is through the roof!
DEAR CARALLEL: My wife Bonnie and I are in overall good health but she’s become unsteady on her feet recently. It’s a first for her and it’s been a little scary. I first noticed it when she was holding onto the rails more to get up the stairs and sometimes she has to try more than … I’m afraid my wife will fall in the shower.
DEAR CARALLEL: Mom moved in a few years ago when Dad died and it’s been rocky from the get-go. We’ve always been close but having Mom living in the house has tested us both. She’s 84 and even though she’s slowed down a bit, she’s still sharp and really values her independence. On the one hand … She agreed to move but how do we pick the right Assisted Living community?