Author Archives: Jenny Mummert

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About Jenny Mummert

This blog was originally titled "Drifting Toward Planet Elderly," and it shared a journey I had with my elderly parents as they both went through their later years battling the complexities of dementia. After both passed on, I changed the title to "Living on Planet Elderly." I am a retiree who is reluctantly adjusting to the reality that she is now elderly. In July of 2021, I relocated to Middleton WI after living in Columbia MO for over 40 years. I decided that I want to experience a new and vibrant location in a cooler climate with lakes...a bucket list item of mine. I have a first cousin who lives in Madison. We have nice childhood memories, and I thought it would be wonderful to spend some time together as elders. It was. AND THEN....in March 2023, I returned to Columbia. I had a wonderful time experiencing the Madison area of Wisconsin, spending time with my cousin, and making some wonderful friends. No regrets.

Parental Journal 29 from Planet Elderly – Thanksgiving Visit Part Two

Posted on November 30, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Thanksgiving Day – Nov. 26, 2015 – early afternoon Mom and I went over to visit Dad earlier than usual. The Chicago Thanksgiving parade was on TV, so we enjoyed watching it with others. Dad seemed quite mystified by what … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 28 from Planet Elderly: Thanksgiving Visit Part One

Posted on November 27, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Sat. Nov. 21, 2015 – Trip to Mom’s delayed due to snow storm in her area. She has called me multiple times telling me not to come, so I assured her that I would wait until after the snow. The … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 27 from Planet Elderly: More Disturbing Phone Calls

Posted on November 17, 2015 by Jenny Mummert
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Parental Journal 26 from Planet Elderly: Phone Calls While Back in Missouri #1

Posted on November 1, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 While I’m back in Missouri for a few weeks, I’ve been having a few phone conversations with Mom: First call on Oct. 19: Worried about the insurance reminder she received in the mail. I reminded her … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 25 from Planet Elderly: “What will you do with the house?”

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Wed. October 14, 2015 Mom has a cold. Probably caught it from Dad since she kisses him hello and goodbye. She refuses to use anything except a cough drop, and that’s fine for now. Will watch to make sure she … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 24 from Planet Elderly: “She was always a pretty good girl.”

Posted on October 16, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Into day three of fifth visit. Mom’s short term memory seems worse to me, and I’m trying to be patient and stay calm because she is so easily upset. I’m doing a pretty good job so far because she keeps … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 23 from Planet Elderly: Tomorrow I Return to Check In on Folks

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Oct. 9, 2015   afternoon I take off tomorrow for the 8 hour drive to visit my folks.  Will make the trip all in one day instead of staying overnight half way. A few days ago I received a call from … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 22 from Planet Elderly: Uneasy Time Away in Missouri

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

September 11, 2015 evening I’ve been home in mid-MO for a few weeks. At first I felt numb because not only did I have elderly parents in northern Illinois, I had other family members with drama going on here in … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 21 from Planet Elderly: “Let Me Call You Sweetheart”

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Thurs. Aug. 27, 2015  5 p.m. Ending visit number four…with a few bruises, but also with some clarity. Mom’s mood swings have been up and down a lot. It’s fear and confusion, and it’s difficult to watch. The two or … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 20 from Planet Elderly: “My Eye Popped Out”

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015 6 a.m. Last night at 11 p.m. Mom received a call from Victory Lakes telling her that Dad is okay, but that he sustained a laceration on his leg…something about when he was in the bathroom. … Continue reading →

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