True story. We all get old. We may not like it much, but it happens. Some of us are lucky enough to have our parents still living. In many cases, we are in the position of deciding whether our parents should come and live with us or live in a care home.
This can be very stressful. Most of the time those wonderful people who gave us life, patched our skinned knees, cheered us on, stayed up late waiting for us to come in the door, are the ones who are used to calling the shots, making the decisions, and suddenly (or gradually) that all changes.
Over the next few months I will be working on a website, a book, and this blog to bring you stories, tips, insights, and links for everything related to parenting our parents in their twilight years. Making Dying Fun may seem like a rather irreverant title but it really says that death doesn't have to be miserable but rather joyful when it involves happy times full of memory makers.
If you came here thinking you might get info about tie-dying, hair dying, or you have morbid curiosity, you have come to the wrong place. For all the rest of you, I hope you will benefit from something you see here.
Dementia is of particular interest to me. For the past decade I have worked with people in various stages of memory loss. The blessings have been numerous, the knowledge gained - immense, the friendships made - eternal and the fun - sustaining.
Dear Gail,
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to following your blog, I know it will be fun ! Are you still going to publish a book as well ?
This is EXACTLY your forte Gail, the elderly & writing ! A PERFECT combination to make a HUGE contribution to make life a wee it easier for many of us who are facing this, "Parenting the elderly", be they parents or "adopted" parents, like when a older person doesn't have family near & we become their family & they join ours.
ReplyDeleteWay 'ta go Girl !!! keep on keepin' on !!!
Hugs L
Reading through your entire blog (newest to oldest) I was able to fondly relate to many of your stories from when I was a companion to an aging dementia resident. It also left me almost with a sense of loss as we anticipate this type of involvement with our own aging parents who will not be able to afford an assisted living facility. It's funny how caring for and socializing with friends who begin as strangers is almost easier than coming to terms with the reality of facing our own parents mortality.
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