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?
DEAR CARALLEL: My father is 86 years old and as independent as they come. He’s sharp mentally but unsteady on his feet. I live six hours away and while he’s finally agreed to let me bring in outside help for him a few times a week, I’m afraid he’ll fall when nobody is there. What can I do … What can I do to keep him safe at home?
What is durable medical equipment, where do you get it, and how do you pay for it? We discuss here.
DEAR CARALLEL: I’m sixty-five and my partner is seventy-one. We got together later in life and our first 6 years together were like a dream. We bought our perfect little condo, traveled often, and were active as could be. A bicycle accident a couple of years ago changed things. It sparked a chain of events … I think I might scream the next time someone tells me to take care of myself.
DEAR CARALLEL: My parents moved to Scottsdale, AZ sixteen years ago after Dad retired. They were done with the cold winters and wanted to be closer to my sister and her kids. Dad died suddenly two years ago and since then my sister has been taking care of our mother. Mom has kidney disease and hasn’t … I want to help my sister but don’t know how I can from here.
Matt Perrin, Carallel’s Director of Caregiver Engagement is joined by Sheila Schultz to discuss seven practical self-care ideas for the busy caregiver.
DEAR CARALLEL: My dad is 81 years old. He’s a happy guy. Still works out a few times a week and goes to coffee just about every morning. My sister and her family live 20 minutes down the road and I’m a couple hours north. I was recently in town for a visit. Dad seemed like … I couldn’t help but notice that it looked like his car had been in a Nascar race.
DEAR CARALLEL: My husband and I are retirees in our mid to late 70’s and all things considered, we’re in pretty good health. We have no way of knowing how long that will last but make it a point to do what we can to keep it that way by taking our daily walk and making … Medication is so expensive! What can I do to lower my costs?
But palliative care, a frequently misunderstood (and underutilized) form of medical care can help.
DEAR CARALLEL: My partner has some dementia. I began noticing changes in his behavior a few years ago and we eventually got the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia about 18 months ago. While I am afraid of what is to come, I’m angry now because he refuses my help. And he needs help with everything! Getting ready … He refuses help that he clearly needs. What do I do?!?