Category Archives: Parental Journal
Parental Journal 78 from Planet Elderly – Dementia and Grief
Monday, October 3, 2016 – very early morning It’s been ten days since Dad died and the most painful part is to witness Mom struggling with her grief. Vigil Time Mom and I sat with Dad who had become bedridden. … Continue reading
Posted in Parental Journal, Uncategorized
Tagged dementia, grief, last rites, memorial service, planet elderly, Rabbi Alvin I. Fine
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Parental Journal 77 from Planet Elderly – Five Days of Hospice
Saturday, September 24, 2016 – early morning My wonderful dad, Victor Anthony Leogrande, peacefully passed away on the morning of Thursday, September 22 after receiving five days of hospice care. It filled my heart with joy and gratitude that Mom … Continue reading
Parental Journal 76 from Planet Elderly – With Apologies to Frank Sinatra
Thursday, September 8, 2016 – afternoon Just like Sinatra, Mom wants to do things her way, but for how long can we keep the current arrangement afloat? We have a schedule where neighbor Kevin takes Mom to see Dad four … Continue reading
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Tagged assisted living, BrightStar, confusion, dementia, Frank Sinatra, hospice assessment, planet elderly
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Parental Journal 75 from Planet Elderly – Mom’s 90th Birthday Present to Herself: Passing Her Driving Test (Yipes!)
Wednesday, August 17, 2016 – Evening What can I say? The gal’s got guts. After seven failed attempts previous to this visit, I took her to the motor vehicle place today thinking this would do it; this would convince her … Continue reading
Parental Journal 74 from Planet Elderly – Happy 90th Birthday, Mom! No More Driving
Saturday, August 13, 2016 – afternoon Tomorrow I drive back to Grayslake, Illinois to spend some time with Mom and visit Dad. Mom turns 90 on August 16. Rather than feeling dread, I feel resolute. I’ve done a lot … Continue reading
Posted in Parental Journal, Uncategorized
Tagged 90th birthday, assisted living, caregiver stress, confusion, dementia, elder care, elderly driving, elderly parents, Graylake Police Department, Grayslake, Lenoir Woods, neuropsych testing, neuropsychologist, No more driving, short-term memory loss
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Parental Journal 73 – Trying to Recharge in Missouri
Thursday, July 21, 2016 – noonish I’ve been back in Missouri five days and I still feel unsettled…on edge most of the time. There’s this constant nagging question, “What are we going to do?” There’s no simple answer; just have … Continue reading
Parental Journal 72 from Planet Elderly – Trip Back to Missouri Delayed
Saturday, July 16, 2016 – early morning After last night’s trip to Condell Immediate Care Clinic, I decided to stay a while to make sure Mom’s leg wound swelling goes down and that she manages the schedule for when to … Continue reading
Parental Journal 71 from Planet Elderly – Maybe a Bit of a Breather
Friday, July 15, 2016 – evening Things are in place so that I can take a breather and return to Missouri for a few weeks, but it could also be cut short. I drive back to Missouri tomorrow with the … Continue reading
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Tagged Condell Emergency Care, dementia, elderly falls, elderly parents, planet elderly
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Parental Journal 70 from Planet Elderly – Anger, Confusion and Root Beer Floats
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 – mid-morning The past couple days have been a roller coaster of emotions again—for both of us. Pretty normal for families in our situation. I Resigned from Project Driver’s License Mom failed her third attempt last … Continue reading
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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