Tag Archives: planet elderly
Parental Journal 84 from Planet Elderly – Starting a New and Likely Difficult Chapter
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 – early evening Mom has been living “independently” for over a year and as a widow for 4 ½ months. Neighbor/assistant Kevin has kept an eye on things and in recent weeks has tried to get … Continue reading
Posted in Parental Journal, Uncategorized
Tagged caregiver stress, dementia, Depression era, elderly parents, planet elderly
Leave a comment
Parental Journal 83 from Planet Elderly – Tears, Bingo and Missing Curlers
Sunday, January 29, 2016 This time away from Mom is a bit of a test for us both. Can she maintain comfort and safety living independently in the home she has shared with Dad for many years…with the help as … Continue reading
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Posted in Parental Journal, Uncategorized
Tagged assisted living, BrightStar, confusion, dementia, Frank Sinatra, hospice assessment, planet elderly
Leave a comment
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 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
Living on Planet Elderly 