Hi everyone- hope you all had a lovely Christmas.
It was very emotional for me,as I expected.

We went up to see my parents. Dad is still in hospital but cheered up when we arrived. We enjoyed a long reminisce bout his family and holidays. He loved the squawking, singing chicken toy I bought him and it amused the other patients, too!His heart is very weak and he keeps getting fluid in many places (yes, including certain -ahem- bits!) so they are trying to reduce it. They are now talking about letting him home with full time care, or maybe both he and mum going into a care home together. He's refusing to do that,as expected- I can understand that for both of them, it would be a last resort, but having seen how weak and exhausted mum is it might be the best option. No decision is being made just yet, but the general feeling seems to be try home care first.
I must admit, I found it very hard to cope with seeing mum so frail, down and tired and the reversal of mother- daughter roles. I admire her so much as she never complains ,and tries hard to keep going. She even still puts curlers in her hair, bless! She did admit that everything is getting too much and she is happy to ask the doctor about getting some counselling to help her cope.
and to crown it all - this morning she got a calll to say her eldest sister had died. That's 2 in as many weeks.

It really is so hard to see your parents in failig health. Thanks again for all your recent kind thoughts, prayers and support.

God bless you all

Maria x

Hi Maria,
It is so hard to see your loved ones like this but you sound like a close knit and caring family, i'm sorry you have had more sad news today.
I really hope you receive some good support from local services and also a comprehensive care needs assessment for both Mum and Dad if possible so you are able to fully examine the best support options to suit you all. Do you have any advocacy services nearby that may be able to strengthen enquiries and support Mum and Dad to find options that best suit the both of them?
Keep in touch, let us know how things are for you all and make sure you take good care of yourself too.
Gentle hugs ~ Liz xx

Hi Maria

I'm sorry to hear of your family problems, it's so hard when your parents are getting on, and I well remember the role reversal bit.

I hope you get lots of support to enable them to live life as fully as possible.

Lyn

Oh, Maria, this is so heartbreaking for you. I am so very glad you managed to see your Dad and Mam though, even though you must have felt choked up the entire time.

I can imagine how frightening and sad it is to watch one's parent's health fail. Your Mam sounds very strong and courageous though although how sad she has lost another sister, that is so upsetting.

Knowing so very little regarding caring for elderly and ill parents I don't feel in a position to comment although I do recall a good friend of mine telling me that her Grandparents moved into a lovely nursing home together (their choice) when her Grandfather became too ill for the Grandmother to care for. They even took their own bed and were very happy for a good few years.

I do hope and pray you and they can come to a decision that makes them all happy.

Remebering you all in our prayers, especially in Christmastide.

Much love,

Amanda

Hi Maria,

I feel for you in your current situation with your parents - it`s not a nice place to be, and so difficult to find the best solution for everyone. It`s devastating to watch your parents suffer.

Thoughts and prayers,

Kathleen x