Hey all. You know we had choices whether to move Mom in with us or put her in an assisted living. I personally could not accept the assisted living. I was afraid of strange people not caring for my Mother the way I would. That fear still exists.
I knew there would be many challenges in caregiving and a lot of learning involved. I thought I had a clue of what I was getting into! As time went on, I realized there was much involved. Time, finances, proper care, privacy issues, grieving for the loss of a loved one, and the list goes on (and the list includes how it has affected all of us in the household).
Mom really handled all the changes well considering moving, losing her husband, and being in a whole new environment. The first week of Dad being gone, Mom started making faces (yes funny faces), and as time passed I realized that the faces represent her feelings. Some are laughter (and yes I make faces back), some are sad, some are pain, some are happy looks (big smiles), some are the I'm puzzled look, and my favorite: The what's up look! Mom spoke more the first couple of months she was here. As the months have passed her language skills are getting more silent. We are going to try a speech therapist this week (will let you all know how it turns out) for language and swallowing issues.
Even though the road has had its definite rough spots, I would not trade the time I have had with my Mother and the bonding we have shared. Some day we may have to make the assisted living decision, but not today. Till next time, hang tight!
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