Hello, Colleen ---- Thank you for welcoming me. I've become caregiver for my soon-to-be 85 year old husband. He has fallen several times, the worst and most recent was one year ago ---- chipped vertebrae, small brain bleed, broken nose and doctors beginning to recommend a hospice discussion. My wonderful husband has four types of heart failure or heart disease, lots of arthritis, type 2 diabetes which is now insulin dependent, and stage 4 kidney failure, and some cognitive decline. When he fell last August the kidney failure suddenly dipped into light stage 5, very scarey. But he has stabilized since those early months of his body reacting to the injuries. I have become the one responsible for the home, finances, driving, etc. He has become very inactive, needing naps throughout the day, etc. His entertainment is television and slot machines at casino 30 miles away. I drive him there several days a week because he has so little activity left. (I hope I'm not over-sharing). During this past year, my husband has become much weaker, more tired, and much more wobbly while walking. He's also much more disconnected socially and emotionally. We used to have fun and tender conversations, but they almost never happen anymore. That's my biggest struggle ---- the loneliness of missing my best friend. We both have the best health care in the world. His family physician, nephrologist, and cardiologist have worked together continuously to give him the absolute best unified care, taking all health concerns into consideration. I really need to adapt to this change and stop harshly criticizng myself as a failure if he gives me any minor criticism. I've already learned a lot by reading these contributions in Mayo Connect. I thank you greatly.