Commented on a discussion 5/25/2008 at 8:32 pm
Myfather had parkinsons and I know exactly what you are facing. I prayed mine would not ever reach the point of not being able to talk or swallow but he did and it was extremely hard for allof us. H
...Read MoreMyfather had parkinsons and I know exactly what you are facing. I prayed mine would not ever reach the point of not being able to talk or swallow but he did and it was extremely hard for allof us. He did end up in a nursing home as we could not sacrifice our mother for him, and we were not yet retired at that point and could not take care of him daily. Mom did visit him every single day in the nurisng home and my sister and I went to see him at least each of us once a week and on the weekend. He had reached the point where he fell easily and had a difficult time speaking when he went tothe nursing home. It took two nurses to get him to the bathroom. There are special chairs to raise them up and to a walking position which social security can help to pay for and special spoons or forks for them to use to eat as they have a difficult time handling the forks and spoons. They have difficulty chewing and swallowing so they eat slowly. We avoided a nursing home as long as we could but as I said reached the point where we had no choice. It takes a lot of patience and love. I wish you the very best. JR