Wednesday, November 28, 2012

The Caregiver

Replace the kitten with my mother and this is me without the strangle hold around my mom's neck. The symptoms of the stomach flu she had have disappeared thanks to the BRAT diet but her mind is shot. She's still sweet though and appreciative of my efforts to care for her. It's a lot easier now that there aren't so many bathroom breaks. via

14 comments:

Bonnie said...

Oh Rosemary. Dealing with dementia is so difficult. I do know, as my father has dementia, however, I am not the primary caregiver. I am thinking about you and your mother. Bonnie

Anonymous said...


Rosemary, Is it a temporary set back from being ill, or is it more serious? Both of my in laws experienced old age memory loss. It is very difficult for the caregivers. Thinking of you, blog friend. Sara, Ohio

Recycled Cottage & Garden said...

Have you looked into any herbal remedies like maybe ginko biloba? My grandmother took it and it helped some.

JudyMac said...

Maybe the mind problem will improve somewhat. Sometimes the very strong meds that are given when sick create a bit of a problem, and they don't always mix well with other meds. Medicine affect the very old a lot differently than you and me because of changes in the blood.

Anonymous said...

Rosemary, I know this is a tough time in your life. I am praying for you, you are such an inspiration to all of us. Noelle

Anonymous said...

Your mother is so lucky to have you.
What a beautiful example of giving back!
Are there some adult day care facilities there? There are some here in Santa Barbara; really good for the cared for and the caregivers!
Best of wishes!

That was her in reverse; when you were little, you were the kitten!

VintageDaisyDeb said...

Oh Rosemary, this is a difficult stage in life isn't it? Your mother looks so sweet - sending you caregiver strength.

Garden, Home and Party said...

Rosemary,
I know you'll find a way to get through this. I will pray your mom regains her strength and mental acuity. You are a good daughter.
Karen

Donna said...

Hoping perhaps blood test done, check Potassium level, that would be an easy fix. I agree with JudyMac. Will be praying for you, I know this is a trial of patience and more!

Anonymous said...

hello rosemary
just wanted to tell ou that i think its onderful that you care sooo much for your mom.she may not be able to show it but im sure she feels safe and beloved in her home and that is what counts the most.
you are a great daughter.
i wish i could send you lots of strengh but i hope you have people who care for YOU too.
greetings anni

tammy j said...

my heart to yours.
i lost my darling mother when i was 26 and she was only 52. i always felt sad for all the years i missed with her. now i realize i never had to see her slow decline. a sadness all its own. sending you strength and love.
tam

Anonymous said...

Rosemary, I cannot help but believe that Anna is comprehending far more than her own language can say at this time and that she is taking pleasure in your presence and her lovely life at the cottage. I know for you it is sad not to have her speak with you as she recently did. It is a deep loss for you, to be sure.
Linda

Anonymous said...

Your mom has a good chance of recovering her mental abilities; hospitalization and the drugs involved often throw the elderly for a loop. This happened to both my mother and her significant other, and both recovered after a period of several weeks. Don't give up hope, and, research all her meds carefully to see if any are on the 'don't use in the elderly' list, which you can google. (ps I am a doctor but a pathologist who doesn't see patients, so I didn't know any of this till I researched my own mother's condition! So this isn't medical advice, ha!)

ps I have read your blog for quite awhile but usually don't comment; I love it however!

bev

Content in a Cottage said...

bev,...

My mother only takes one tiny pill daily the size of a saccharine tablet for her blood pressure. I wish I could believe she would get better mentally but I am not at all hopeful. I though she would get better when we got her hydrated. I think her age finally got the best of her. I will hang in there as long as I possibly can. I'm not really doing much else to prevent me from caring for her. I'm still able to do my real estate because my only listing is only three doors away from my cottage. My blog is a happy diversion too. I know I have all the support I need out there among my loyal followers.
xo, Rosemary