I can't see a topic for carers or looking after elderly parents but correct me if I'm wrong.
Just struggling at the moment working full time, 2 secondary school age children plus trying to support my parents as much as I can. There's a lot to their situation but I'll try and summarise.
Dad is 81 and suffers badly with arthritis in his knees to the extent that 10 days ago he couldn't get out of bed. Short term care arranged from community support team and he's doing better but reliant on a frame now. He also has a history of being an alcoholic although doesn't drink spirits now, will drink 3 cans of beer a day and some wine at the weekend. He has shown in the last 10 days that he can go completely without and it doesn't impact his health as it used to.
Mum has had health issues most of her life - rheumatoid arthritis since her late twenties, depression and anxiety, breast cancer resulting in bilateral mastectomy and more recently she fell at home just over a year ago and fractured 3 vertebrae and was subsequently diagnosed with Parkinson's. Recovery from the fall was around 12 weeks and no surgery was needed thankfully. Her anxiety though has worsened.
My parents have never had a loving marriage. Frequent arguments and misunderstandings. Dad is a natural introvert but with a sense of humour. Mum enjoys social company but doesn't get Dad's sense of humour and will snap at him. There is no real relationship except that they live in the same house. Separate meals, separate bedrooms and separate rooms they watch tv in. They also have separate finances and don't know what money the other has.
It just feels a mess and I'm caught in the middle trying to keep them happy, take them to appointments, etc. I have 2 siblings but they are not local like I am.
Any advice? Or anyone going through similar and want a support thread?