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 19 from Planet Elderly: Mom Doesn’t Want To Talk About It

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Been treading murky waters with Mom. It’s difficult to see her so confused at times. Yet her mindset is saying: I must learn to do and manage everything myself. I decided to plant a big seed the other day. I … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 18 from Planet Elderly: Mom Turns 89 and Dad Chats On

Posted on August 18, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Tues. Aug. 18, 2015 8:30 a.m. Mom’s birthday on Sunday went well. We had a nice visit with Dad, who chatted away like a game show host. He gave her a birthday kiss when prompted and then he said, “All … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 17 from Planet Elderly: Visit #4 Starts With a Warning Ticket

Posted on August 16, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

August 15, 2015 4 p.m. It’s been around 5 weeks since my last visit. Dad is doing well in the skilled nursing facility. Mom is often an emotional wreck, and her cognitive functioning seems to be quite shaky at times. … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 16 from Planet Elderly: Preparing for the Next Visit and More Confusion

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

August 7, 2015 10:30 a.m. I’ve been able to be in Missouri for several weeks and things in Illinois have been fairly quiet. Mom and I agreed that if she needs me, she’ll call.  There were few calls at first … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 15 from Planet Elderly: Confused Thoughts, Failed Filing System, and Old Bourbon

Posted on August 8, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

June 30, 2015  afternoon This two-week visit is coming to an end.  Dad’s birthday is tomorrow and I return to MO on Thurs. July 2.  My next scheduled visit is Aug. 13 – 20 for Mom’s birthday on the 16th…unless … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 14 from Planet Elderly: “I Love You But This Is Tearing Us Apart”

Posted on August 7, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 early afternoon I remember being quite anxious about making this trip up to see my folks.  Wanted to be with Dad for Father’s Day and his 93rd birthday on July 1, but not wanting to deal … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 13 from Planet Elderly: The Sheriff Incident

Posted on July 31, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Fri. May 22, 2015 7:30 a.m. Have enjoyed a couple of weeks in mid-MO…but not enough time to see everyone, especially some grandchildren. I was back in Columbia for two days when I called Mom.  She claimed to have “no … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 12 from Planet Elderly: Pals in Unit C

Posted on July 30, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Fri. May 8, 2015 – 2 p.m. Winding down a 7-week stay with my Mom. Monday I leave to go visit MO for what I hope will be about 6 weeks. I’m going to kinda miss some of my “pals” … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 11 from Planet Elderly: A Frisky Day for Dad

Posted on July 29, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

April 30, 2014 5:30 a.m. Into a fairly regular routine with its good days and bad days. When Mom gets snappy or angry about a question or suggestion, I just go into quiet mode. There’s no point in trying to … Continue reading →

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Parental Journal 10 from Planet Elderly: Some Days Are Like Walking on Eggshells

Posted on July 27, 2015 by Jenny Mummert

Parental Journal 10 Fri. April 17, 2015 5 a.m. After a few good nights’ sleep, I woke at 2…finally came downstairs and made some coffee around 3:30. What woke me up was the realization that I think I missed my … Continue reading →

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