Author Archives: Jenny Mummert
Parental Journal 69 from Planet Elderly – Second Attempt to Pass the Driving Test
Thursday, July 7, 2016 – late morning As I type, I’m waiting for Mom and Kevin to return from her second attempt to pass the driving test. I’m nervous. She and Kevin attempted to do this yesterday, but the line … Continue reading
Posted in Parental Journal, Uncategorized
Tagged AMC, confusion, elderly driving, elderly parents, planet elderly, short-term memory loss
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Parental Journal 68 from Planet Elderly – Mom’s Date with Tarzan
Thursday, July 7, 2016 – early morning Sometimes there are bonus days, and yesterday was one. Dad was quite groggy and unresponsive during our morning and midday visits. By 4 p.m. we were sitting in the living room. Mom was … Continue reading
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Tagged "Tarzan" Planet Elderly, elderly parents
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Parental Journal 67 from Planet Elderly – Driving Test: One Attempt Down, Two to Go
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 – evening Mom failed the driving test today. (Yea!) She plans to return tomorrow to retake it. (Groan) We visited Dad in the morning and had an 11:30 a.m. appointment to pick up her new driving … Continue reading
Parental Journal 66 from Planet Elderly – Driver’s License Outcome Delayed, Physician Fired, Birthday Preparations
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 – Evening Driver’s License Renewal Saga Yesterday morning Mom was tired. “We don’t have to do anything special today, do we?” I reminded her of the driver’s exam. “I don’t want to take it today.” G.R.O.A.N. … Continue reading
Parental Journal 65 from Planet Elderly- This Visit Starts with a Roller Coaster Ride
Monday, June 27, 2016 – evening Not a Quiet Drive Up Yesterday Phone Call #1: The drive up went well for the most part; however, I received a call from Mom around 9:30 a.m. “Where are you? I thought you … Continue reading
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Tagged dementia, elder abuse, elderly driving risks, forgetfulness, planet elderly, Waukegan
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Parental Journal 64 from Planet Elderly – Packing for the Next Trip: Dad’s 94th Birthday
Saturday, June 25, 2016 evening Tomorrow I head back up to Grayslake to spend some time with Mom and visit Dad. This is expected to be a short visit. Dad turns 94 July 1, so we’ll celebrate a bit with … Continue reading
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Tagged confusion, elderly parents, Grayslake, NPR, planet elderly, short-term memory loss
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Parental Journal 63 from Planet Elderly – Respite Time Back in Missouri for a Few Weeks
Saturday, June 4, 2016 mid-morning This is the view I see each morning at my new rental place. This is the view I need to see each morning. I feel so fortunate to have Mom’s neighbor, Kevin, as part of … Continue reading
Parental Journal 62 from Planet Elderly – Another “Dad Wants a Divorce” Delusional Episode
Monday, May 16, 2016 9:30 a.m. Although it’s good to be back in Missouri, it’s also unsettling. It’s difficult to adjust after a month at Mom’s and shadowing her schedule. Arrived back on Saturday, called Mom to let her know … Continue reading
Parental Journal 61 from Planet Elderly – Heading Back to Missouri to Recharge
Friday, May 13, 2016 evening Time to recharge. The situation here is not ideal, but it is stable enough to let me go back to my regular life for a while. Diagnosis of moderate dementia has been received. Mom denies … Continue reading
Parental Journal 60 from Planet Elderly – Diagnosis Explained, Emotional Tornadoes, and Plans
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 afternoon It’s mind boggling to think about all that has transpired over the past 48 hours or so, but at least things have leveled out a bit and the high drama and hysterics are on the … Continue reading
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