My mother was once a prominent member of her community. Her house is lined with awards, plaques, letters of appreciation. from Mayors, Senators, etc.
She suffers from multiple issues (physical, neurological, mental, etc.). She is wheelchair-bound and requires in-home 24/7 care. Her caregivers range from not-so-good to very good. We try to monitor them and get rid of the not-so-good ones fast. Luckily, we have a strong agency that listens and partners.
I moved from my hometown to Chica...Read More
My mother was once a prominent member of her community. Her house is lined with awards, plaques, letters of appreciation. from Mayors, Senators, etc.
She suffers from multiple issues (physical, neurological, mental, etc.). She is wheelchair-bound and requires in-home 24/7 care. Her caregivers range from not-so-good to very good. We try to monitor them and get rid of the not-so-good ones fast. Luckily, we have a strong agency that listens and partners.
I moved from my hometown to Chicago 4 years ago to follow a wonderful work opportunity. I must admit, I moved partly to force my siblings to help with my mother some. It didn't work.
My mother was living alone and working fulltime when I left. However, she needed fairly constant help and support with the house and I wanted my mother to either pay for help (which she could afford) or get her other children to help out.
My mother's health was not great before I left, but tanked within a month of my move. For the first two years, I was able to spend close to 30% of my time in my hometown, due to business trips home. I have since been laid off and luckily re-employed. I now go home about once a month.
Sometimes I wonder if a nursing facility would be a better placement, as my mother's worst enemy is lack of social interaction.
I love my mother, but she can be extremely manipulative and cruel.
I am really glad I found this site. I have wanted a place to give back and share my many lessons learned and learn from others. It is great to be part of this community of courageous and committed caregivers.
I am caring for my mother, living at home and the primary ailment is parkinson's.