Caring for an elderly parent

[TheresaLS]

I would like to share with anyone the joys and the valleys of caring for an aging parent.

I care for my mother-in-law and find myself being almost totally responsible. When my husband and I decided to bring his mother home we assumed the rest of the family would assist. We approached our decision from a pro-life stance and feel as long as we can we will continue. Needless to say we get very little help but we did make the final decision so we try not to complain.

Anyone out there have the same issues? Just being able to share would be great. Or if anyone would like to comment…please do.

God Bless

 

[StarMaiden]

I have always lived with my parents, my Father sadly passed away just over five years ago. I then started looking after my Mother and became her full time carer at the start of last year. Sadly she passed away in July at home with me by her side.

Caring for a parent has it’s ups and downs, joys and sorrows and happiness and pains but I know one thing for sure, it was an honour and a privillage to care for my wonderful Mother

 

[Agatina]

For a year now I’ve been caring for my husband who had a very bad brain injury. He was in two hospitals for 32 days which included brain surgery and rehab. He has been improving all year. He still gets mixed up; but now can help out & does yard work & takes care of most of his own needs. We thank God for that.
So my situation is different than yours but I do identify with the need to be able to share when the going gets tough.
The Lord has used this whole experience to “try” to teach me more patience.
I thank Jesus for the help & healing. We still have trials. He is so much better. But I have to also mention that he is 76 and leagally blind and that causes problems. He can’t find me in stores now. Today he actually had me paged at the market when he didn’t know where I was:blush: A few friends heard it and commented but they understood. They know the situation and they said “You are a wanted woman”. A sense of humor really helps.
May God Bless You all and I love that you consider this ministry Pro-Life. I do too.
You are in my prayers for strength & fortitude. Praise to the Lord, Agatina

 

[LSK]

I cared for my father’s mother-in-law after his wife died. She was 92 and hated my guts. My father, by watching me care for her, came back to the Church after being away for over 40 years. 10 days later, he died. I cared for her until I could track down her family and then I took her home. When she died, six months later, they called me and thanked me.

She was horrible to me. Abusive, mean, angry…and sometimes I was so tired I just sat in the back of the Church and cried. I was going to school full time, working full time and caring for my brother’s 3 children.

I came to understand what redemptive suffering might mean and I came to really REALLY appreciate Our Blessed Mother.

I was also really really happy to find her family.

tee hee.

 

[Agatina]

LSK you said that you came to really REALLY appreciate the Blessed Mother. I would love to hear more about that and about how she helped you.

Love, Agatina
PS I don’t know how to pick out a sentence and show it so I just wrote it.

 

[TheresaLS]

Thanks to all for responding.

LKS,
My mother-in-law has always had issues with me…one main one, is that I am short and Irish! I have learned to laugh over the years and accept her as she is…in a way I feel sorry for her because she is basically an unhappy person. I have always known that I would care for her as she grew older because of the way she has treated other family members, so I really cannot entirely blame them for their lack of assistance. Mom is mean to me and I try to be as empathetic as possible and my patience wears thin at times,I pray daily for His guidence.

The Blessed Mother has always been a refuge, knowing she will never fail me. I am named for St Therese of Leseiux…I have always tried to follow her “Little Way” and that in itself is a gift. I admit I am no St Therese, but I am hoping she is proud that I am attempting to follow her.

I ask for your prayers…Mom has been so verbally abusive lately that I fear I am about to give up and allow her to be placed in a nursing home. I would love her to be able to live her last days in her own home, but I am weakening. My hours at our local Perpetual Adoration Chapel is my salvation at this point…

Thanks to all again…take care and God bless!

 

[Liberanosamalo]

The closer to death someone gets, the louder Satan gets.

If it helps, it’s probably not her really talking. Someone is talking through her, and YOU are the target.

I find around people like that if I just say the Prayer to St. Michael in my head while they blather on it really REALLY helps.

LSK, you made me laugh out loud. You are a holy woman. I’m in awe.