I'm writing an editorial on "Old People". I'm in the "Sandwich Generation". I'm helping my aging mother (80yrs) try to be independant as long as possible while I raise my children. It can be hard at times but I believe that one must keep a sense of humor. I'd like to hear some stories/experiences.
2006-08-26 15:54:27 · 3 answers · asked by maryquast 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I was helping to take care of my grandfather who had Alzheimers who died a few years ago. One of the funnier stories with him was this one time when I came over he had all these flowers on his kitchen table that weren't there when I came by in the morning. I asked him where they were from and he just sort of grinned and said "I swiped 'em!"
2006-08-26 16:00:30 · answer #1 · answered by Martin523 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband and I have been doing the same thing for the last 2 years...... I feel for you. This can be very difficult for your children, and extremely hard on your marriage. The key, we are starting to discover, is to make sure there is time made for you and your partner to be alone - quality time to nurture your relationship. Time must also be made for the kids on a group and/or an individual basis. We try to make a weekly date with the kids..... in a rotation, one week my hubby and I and our 2 girls do something together, the next week he takes 1 of them and I take the other on a 'date', the next week we swap kids, and one week of the month we do something extra special with all of us including my father-in-law. My hubby and I slip out together twice a month (or at least we try hard). Now, you might be thinking, 'These people must be rich, all that going out!' but, often we spend absolutely nothing on these dates. Be imaginative.
Talk to the Doc about what support services are available in your community; (ie. respite care, support groups, free counselling, etc.) knowing what is available is important before you need it, so that when you do, it's not so overwhelming.
2006-08-26 16:17:18 · answer #2 · answered by takeitorleaveit-loveitorhateit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I cared for my disabled husband and my mother as she was dying from cancer. It took its tole on me. I must have aged 5 years in that one year. I lost my mom and divorced my husband. I am not sure I will ever recover from losing my mom, but I'm glad the husband is gone!
2006-08-26 15:59:43 · answer #3 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋