BellaOnline Forums Family Senior Living The New Kid in Town

Hi folks,

I'm the new editor over at Senior Living. This is a first for me and I am looking forward to joining your community. Since I'm a newbie and there are so many paths to take, I'd love any suggestions or comments on articles you might be interested in.

My parents are both living but my Dad has been in poor health for years and Mom has become his caretaker. As you all know, it's difficult to watch your parents age and even more difficult to know you'll be following in their footsteps soon enough.

I'd love to see shared stories and inspirations on the subject. Like it's often said, it's the journey that makes the trip worthwhile.

Alice:

Welcome.

I used to be the Walking Editor and know that you will do an awesome job with this forum.

I would love to hear about how you are dealing with the "emotions" I am sure you are experiencing in regards to your dad's poor health - if you don't mind talking about this.

If you do mind, just pretend I did not ask (lol)

I don't mind at all. With sewing for Christmas I may not be around as much as I'd like. Dad is so stubborn. He's had a triple bi-pass, diabetes, parkinson's, skin cancer, strokes, and we still can't keep him out of the yard pulling weeds. I'm across the country but talk with Mom and my sisters all the time. At this point I'm just glad he's still here and that Mom is able and willing to care for him. It breaks my heart that I'm not there to help so Mom can have a break. We're trying to sell our house and move closer but with the market like it is, I'm not sure we'll be living close by any time soon.

Alice, you will get to move closer to your parents - NEVER give up on that hope.

So what are you sewing for Christmas?

Welcome aboard. My MIL is 85 and still very active. She is a volunteer for a senior-helping-seniors organization.

Hi Angie, my mom is 82 and makes me "tired" (lol).

I guess staying busy with her senior friends - traveling and working when she feels like it, keeps her young.

I'm doing aprons for my sisters and sister-in-laws. And some smaller matching aprons for a few of their kids and grandkids. I'm hoping to finish 10 total.

I bought some 600 count sheets for my dad and plan to embroider the pillowcases with the family name. He can't see or hear very well but he might appreciate the softness of the sheets.

Thanks for the welcome! It's so great when seniors have a quality life without massive health problems. I'm afraid I'll be following in my dad's shoes because we're so much alike.

Alice, are there any steps you can take now to maybe avoid some of your dad's issues?

He's a vietnam vet and it's hard to know how much was caused by that and how much is genetic. His quality of life hasn't been good. I don't mind growing old but would sure like to do it with style. (:

And you can if you start now to think about what type of life you would like.

My mom has everything wrong with her due to not taking care of herself - it was not about money, it was about marrying an alcoholic and getting beat up every day.

I made a promise to myself that I would not put myself in such a position of dependency and to this day, even with a wonderul man in my life - I fight to maintain my finances.

I need to know I can be on my own if needed.....