Tag Archives: dementia
Parental Journal 82 from Planet Elderly – Christmas Visit 2016 – Toilet Paper Caper, Frozen Food, New Shoes and Growing Concerns.
Monday, December 26, 2016 – afternoon Toilet Paper Caper Two days before I left for this trip, neighbor Kevin called and asked if I was sitting down. Turns out Mom’s sewage pipes were clogged and water was overflowing from the … Continue reading
Parental Journal 80 from Planet Elderly: Mom Is Safe, Comfortable and Lonely
Saturday, December 3, 2016 late morning It’s been about six weeks since I left Illinois so that Mom could begin her life as a widow living alone. It was clear that she is most comfortable where she and Dad made … Continue reading
Parental Journal 79 from Planet Elderly – Mom’s Visit to Columbia and My Encounter with the Flu
Monday, November 14, 2016 – early afternoon Visit to Columbia, MO A couple days after Dad’s memorial service, Mom and I headed to Columbia, Missouri where I’ve lived for almost 40 years. The purpose of the trip was for Mom … Continue reading
Posted in Parental Journal, Uncategorized
Tagged Columbia, dementia, flu, Missouri, planet elderly
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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 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
Posted in Parental Journal, Uncategorized
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 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
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