Yes! I moved home with my parents 3-1/2 years ago to be primary caregiver for my mom who had Lewy Body dementia. I basically sat in the family room waiting for her to move and went everywhere with her, plus had the baby monitor next to my bed for the night-time wandering for 16 months. She passed 2 years ago this February. I'm staying on with Dad who turned 92 in April. He's still very active with no health problems other than he's mostly deaf. He and I get along great and I've returned to work and to school to finish my BA and go on for an MA in gerontology. I'm currently a junior at 54. In fact, I may beat my kids to graduation!
I've put on over 30 pounds since I moved home from stress and the sedentary lifestyle of sitting with the folks. That's why I've joined up, to find support and accountability that I just don't seem to find in my narrow focus of aging parents, work, and school.
I have ZERO regrets about having moved home. However, one of the things I miss most about my old life is being close to my daughters who are still in Kansas, while I'm now in California. Phones are good, but being there to go walking, shopping, whatever is something I miss. Because of budget constraints on both ends, so far I've seen them only once a year. The grands are 8 and 4-1/2, so with annual visits they change dramatically. Someday when my job here with Dad is done, I plan to move back to Kansas to be close to them and my two grandkids.
Speaking of stress eating, I have three papers due in the next 2 weeks and came home from class tonight and found myself eyeing the sweetroll in the fridge and the box of Cocoa Krispies. I walked away from both and refilled my water bottle, but it's hard!
Hang in there, Liz
SANDIDANDI 6/2/08 9:12 P
My parents came to live with us two years ago. My mom was battling lung cancer, and died a year ago in January. My dad suffered a massive stroke and came out of a nursing home to live with us. I am their primary caregiver. This has been extremely rewarding for me, to give them the care they need. However, it can also be very stressful. I find myself over eating, due to the stress ... and have put on a lot of weight. Is there anybody else out there that is caring for elderly parents?
