It is hard to believe that 2018 is well under way. From my standpoint, not much has changed and that is a good thing. My parents still have doctor’s appointments and they still run late to almost everything! After all, an appointment time is a mere suggestion as to when you might want to show up! Right?
Many of my friends have lost a parent in 2018. I am always amazed when friends lose a parent so quickly and my parents are still hanging in there. Don’t get me wrong! I am thankful that I can still pick up the phone and call my parents but there are times when I am amazed that we make it from one crisis to another and everyone is still standing . . . or sitting in their chair!
My husband says my parents are like the energizer bunny and he might be right.
So far in 2018 we have survived the flu and did so without a hospital stay. My mom has had a total rebuild of her wheelchair even thought she really wanted a new chariot. We have survived multiple full moons, blue moons, blood moons and an eclipse. Both parents have taken a spill and have been lifted to their feet by the Homewood Fire Department. No one was injured in the spills including the firemen.
Dad is keeping us on our toes. His memory is more sporadic than it was a few months ago. His congestive heart failure and lack of general activity (oh and a bowl of Butterfingers) has meant a new wardrobe for him in 2018.
As we dream of warmer weather and Spring flowers we are getting ready for a summer wedding, summer jobs, summer school and tax returns. I am up to my eyeballs in paper and paperclips!
I have had several friends learn that their loved one has Alzheimer’s in 2018. It breaks my heart to have friends join me on this never-ending ever twisting journey. I do not know if it is harder to lose a parent quickly and unexpectantly or one brain cell at a time.
I like to start off a new year with a clean slate. For me, this means cleaning out the closets and the attic and parting with the things that are clogging up our lives. For those of you learning that you are entering 2018 with a parent with dementia, it could mean meeting with lawyers and tax planners. If this is you, please do not waste any time contacting people who can help you start putting things in order. Build your team early. It will make the journey a little easier.
Begin this new journey by putting your name on EVERYTHING, even if you have one parent that is still able to run the household. Add your name to services (water, electric, gas). Add your name to safety deposit boxes and bank accounts. Make a list and check it twice.
In 2018, I have found that some companies that cater to the older generation are not always honest with their billing system. I do not think they are intentionally shady but I do believe that they are in a better position to take advantage of my parents. If you pay your parent’s bills keep a close eye on companies that offer handicap products. I found that one company sent me three bills in 10 days all for growing balances. Not once did they give me credit for a bill that was paid even though I had talked to them to know that they did indeed receive my payment. I did not pay each bill. If I had paid each bill I would have paid over $600 when they really only owed $245. This company was planning to keep the over-payment until an insurance claim was settled. Let me add that the person that I spoke to at this particular company was very helpful and helped me get to the bottom of this billing nightmare. Keep a paper trail and have a good banker on your side and remain calm while on the phone with the billing department. This is not always easy to do but cooler heads usually prevail.
I do not know what 2018 has in store for me but I am hopeful that there will be more tears of joy than tear of sadness. I am thankful for my team and I am willing to help you build your team.
2018, these energizer bunnies are ready for anything!
myparentchildren 