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How can I grocery shop or run errands if I am concerned about leaving my grandmother alone?

Asked by musiclover  |  Jan 29, 2012

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My grandmother is on Cardizem and Seroquel. She tells me not to worry, that she feels ok, and it would be fine to leave her while I pick up what we need. (I live with her) However, the last time I left for a short time, I came back to find out that she had tried to get on her knees to pray and couldn't get back up, so she struggled and was exhausted. (She has high blood pressure) She just started to have home health nurses come in to check her, but they only stay a few minutes. I am exhausted with worry all the time myself. (I don't drive much either) Our friends and family either live too far away or are too busy with their own families to help. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks

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geewiz

Give a Hug

Jan 29, 2012

HI Music lover, some things to consider - Shopping early in the morning or in the evening when grandma is still sleeping or dozing off? Or, perhaps she has a favorite tv show that would "occupy" her for a short time. Some houses of worship have volunteers that will come in for an hour (or so) visit with your loved one while you run your errands. (Some will even do the errands for you.) Can you take her out on your errands with you?

These are the first things to try. Ultimately, many tasks can be done on-line, including food shopping in many areas. But I'd opt to get out for a while before committing yourself to staying indoors 24/7.

 
 

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musiclover

Give a Hug

Jan 29, 2012

I do try to get what we need online, but we don't have food service or delivery, except for Schwan's or QVC, (very expensive) and she needs healthier items with little to no salt. I will try to take her with me to a smaller store to see if we can handle it. Our Walmart is a supercenter, but the only places for her to sit would be a food area.

 
 

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JessieBelle

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Jan 29, 2012

musiclover, I am in a similar position. My father is very weak, but has to go to the bathroom a lot. I worry that he will fall and have no one there to call 911. My mother is also here, so I don't worry usually. However, when she needs to go to the doctor or somewhere else, I don't want to leave him alone for that long. We hired a person to help out on those days. My father doesn't like her, so I stay with him while the helper takes my mother where she needs to go. It costs $50-100 each time, but it is just something we need to do.

I was thinking in your case, you may want to hire someone to watch your mother so you could have an occasional girl's day out. You could get everything you need done without feeling rushed, and even have a little time left over to enjoy yourself.

 
 

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musiclover

Give a Hug

Jan 29, 2012

We do have 2 family friends who can help if needed, but they both have very busy lives. My grandmother likes to be as independent as she can. She can do light cooking, cleaning and smaller things herself, but she needs help with getting dressed, bathing, going to the bathroom, and reaching, since she has arthritis. Her medicines are new (just 2 weeks) and she is still getting adjusted to them, plus having new people (nurses) coming into our house. I worry that some tv and radio news may agitate her or raise BP, but she hates when I try to monitor those things.

 
 

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