Hi there,
My name is Monika and I'm definitely more of a health care "manager" than caregiver because we have 24hr care for my dad (81) in his home. He has Parkinson's and dementia and after he broke his hip and had surgery, he suffered a rapid decline. He is in bed approximately 21 hours per day. We had to create an environment for him to live downstairs ie. Wet room, accessible bathroom, hospital bed etc. My mom (76) spends alot of her day preparing 4 course mini meals that are minced, 3 times per day upstairs in the kitchen.
My mom was my dad's princess and they were each other's best friends for 58 years. I'm an only child and my role is to manage all the various caregivers and agencies we deal with in Canada and to be on top of my mom's mental health as well as the admin of their business I am winding down. She has trouble coping with the entire situation. ..so many people coming and going, the constant hours of food prep, my dad's diminished state ( he recognizes everyone and sometimes understands conversations) but he has absolutely no speech or reading/writing ability. I am not working so that I can spend my days with both of them. My husband and child are super supportive and pitch in whenever needed. I admire all the caregivers I see here and certainly I have a much easier role...but I'm learning so many things to help both my parents.
Thank you, Monika