Hubby went to work today(first time this week) only to be told that they still didn't have any work for him! Frustrating! But since he was there, they went ahead and let him do some stuff. UGGGG!!! Not making my life any easier!
I ran out of bagels at work yesterday. I almost stopped and got breakfast this morning because it was easier....but I Didn't! I stopped and refilled my bagel supply. Very proud of myself. The eating at home continues which is approaching a record!
Now, to the hard decisions and advice needed. I have two different family issues going on.
My older sister has always suffered with depression and other illnesses. She is a hypochrondiac who happens to be a nurse, not a real great combination! Anyway, she has been having breathing problems for years but can't get a diagnosis that will allow her to be on disability. But she is hoping to get that when she has some tests done next month, as she is on temporary disability for corporal tunnel surgery right now. When I took her home this weekend, I was horrified by her house. She has always been a pack rat. She will not throw away a news paper article because there is probably a reason she kept it. When you walk in the front door there is a path in the boxes that were never unpacked to her bedroom. The boxes have been piled with junk. She can't even get to the kitchen. on the threshold to the kitchen was pile after pile of dog poop...apprently she doesn't have the energy to take the dog out when she needs to go. She gets out of energy just walking to the car and has to sit down and can barely breath. I am thinking that her living conditions are contributing to her breathing issues. Here is my dilemma...I don't know how to go about an intervention. My parents are in their 70's and 80's and I don't think would be much help...might even think I am rocking the boat...yes my family has never caused waves. I tried when she moved to throw away stuff and she came behind me and dug it out of the trash. If she ends up on disability, she will never leave the house and it will only get worse.
My other issue is my dad. He will be 80 years old next month and is in great shape. Except his memory. He has backed into the garage door several time because he forgot to open it. Right now it is little things. But I called him this morning to ask him what he had planned for today and he said that he had to pick up "...ummm whats his name? Umm...stutter stammer...the fellow who paints." The fellow who paints is my brother. I am really getting worried about him as well.
I just don't know that I can handle both of these situations right now. Neither one will be easy.
Hard Decisions about Loved Ones
June 24th, 2009 at 05:03 pm
June 24th, 2009 at 05:09 pm 1245863387
Not sure age of your sister but perhaps you could call Social Services and find out if there is an advocate social worker who could come out and evaluate her for services. If the hoarding issue isn't under control she could face issues about her housing situation. You aren't qualified to do this - you need to get an outside third-party to help. This could also expedite getting potential disability paperwork underway.
Have your father evaluated - and not a mini-mental status exam that the primary care physician does. At this point, medication might be able to help. I believe my grandmother was on Aracept (spelling?).
Don't try to handle all of this on your own. Can your brother help you out?
June 24th, 2009 at 05:21 pm 1245864064
June 24th, 2009 at 05:28 pm 1245864498
June 24th, 2009 at 05:37 pm 1245865038
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June 24th, 2009 at 07:36 pm 1245872206
June 25th, 2009 at 04:16 am 1245903417
I think you will need objective, outside help for both of these issues. Your sister's house is becoming unsafe and unhealthy, and your father definitely needs assessment. Even in the most energetic, outgoing, tell-it-to-your face families it would be hard to find enough family members to help you stage two interventions.
June 26th, 2009 at 07:15 pm 1246043742