My elderly mum became partially paralysed last year when my youngest was 16 months and the eldest was 5. She then moved in with us. Are there others out there caring for a young family and looking after an elderly parent? Do you work as well? What have been your experiences? Or am I the only one. I think the government do not realise that a lot of parents are having their children in their 30s/40s so in the next 20/30 years there will be a lot of young families with elderly parents to care for.
When I was a little girl, I always said to my mum that "when I'm big I'll look after you". I would hate my mum to go into a home. My mum's a lovely lady and I'm not just saying that because she's my mum. The children love her living with us and my husband has said that my mum's easier to live with than me...cheeky but true! My mum's not at all interferring or mean. Thankfully my husband's understanding and caring (he helps out with care or the children or both!) My children love cuddling up to mum giving her lots of kisses. On the other hand caring for both of them it's very stressful. The first couple of months I was surviving on 2 to 4 hours sleep a night (all interrupted!). My mum would wake me up every hour needing assistance to go to the toilet and/or to be adjusted in bed and my youngest would wake up every 2 hours or less. I soon realised no one cares for the carer.
My work place have been very good, especially when my mum was first sick. I love going to work...it's a rest! Not really but it's definintely less stressful.
Getting my mum to hospital appointments and the doctors has been a nightmare. Have you tried pushing a buggy and a wheelchair...it's impossible and my youngest refuses to sit on my mum's lap when she's in the wheelchair!! I always need someone to come with me. The other day I had to call the doctor out as I had no assistance. The Dr was a little annoyed ....I'm not lazy and I'm very independent I only ask for help when I geniunely need it.
I've also become the internet shopping queen! I can't leave the house for long hours without another carer being at home to check on mum ....so the internet is now my best friend!
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Caring for elderly relatives? Supercarers can help
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Do you have young children and care for your mum/dad?
3 replies
mumtalktalk · 04/02/2011 03:31
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