Caring for elderly parents - do we need a new section?

[mears]

Just realsied there isn't actually a section for those of us who, as well as having children with issues, have parents with issues too.

I have an elderly Dad who has Alzheimers and other health difficulties. As a parent you are pulled in 2 directions trying to look after both sets of needs.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone out there can recommend an electric shaver for an elderly man with loose folds of skin who is really difficult to shave? Hence perhaps the need for a section for caring for the elderly section. Am I on my own?

Mears, you're not on your own. I have my Dad who is alone now after loosing my Mum last year. I tear myself in two on a fairly regular basis. Feeling gulity about spending time with him or the kids or dh. My Dad is reasonably well at the moment fortunately. Your situation must be so hard. But I would welcome a section on this. Sorry can't be any help on the razor though.

Thanks vino - thought the post was rapidly dosppearing into oblivion.

With the razor thing, try one of those with lots of round heads rather than a strip razor.

YOu are not alone. My mother had been in a psychogeriatric hospital, due to dementia, for the last 5 years.

I went to see her this weekend and she said two things to made sense....this is the first time this has happened in about a year

I know what you mean about being pulled in two directions, it is so very hard.

This thread is slowly gathering more folks - any more?

i think it would be good. my dad is nearly 80 and ok at mo but sm is in hospital. would be nice to have somewhere to go to talk iynwim

I'm not actually caring my parents (yet) but my mum is severely disabled with Parkinsons Disease and Arthritis (and the b*stard NHS have now told her they won't give her the knee replacements because "she won't get much use out of them" (ie waste of money as far as they're concerned) after telling her 10yrs ago that she was "too young" ).

I'm also a care assistant (working towards my NVQ2) so "may" have some thoughts that could help people.

Hi mears,My parents are getting on but it's not them that I help care for it's dh's gran .She's a bit like the gran on the catherine tate show..you know "what a f**king liberty".She refuses most help and treatment ,so because of a wee infection is wetting the bed a lot and still wants her electric blanket.
Great idea about a topic for the likes of us.

Good call, mears. I think that this is a much-needed section.

defo

I struggled for years trying to organise care for my mum who lived on her own with Alzheimers. Now she is in a nursing home and I still have to run her life as well as my kids' lives. It would be great to be able to share experiences.

Have sent an e-mail to mumsnet towers.

Agree that it would be good to have a caring for the elderly section. Dh's parents are v old ,his mother has had altzheimers for about 5 years.

ggirl you can get electric blankets for people with incontinence ;they are safe.

i now have my fingers crosses that you get one. Having probs with elderly sm so need advice but don't know where to put it