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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

MNHQ please can we have an "elderly parents" section?

93 replies

ssd · 27/08/2011 09:17

this subject is so relevant to many of us yet there is nowhere to discuss the feelings of loss/guilt/anger/worry many of us have, not to mention having a discreet laugh and chat when it all gets too much

I think this would be a really useful and sympathetic section for those of us struggling with elderly mums or dads

thanks

OP posts:
Besom · 29/08/2011 10:36

I'd like to suggest 'Older Relatives' as a potential name, rather than 'Elderley Parents'. It may also be useful to people regarding aunts, uncles, grandparents etc. Also, I don't particularly like the word 'elderly'. I mean I'd rather be called older than elderly myself, but maybe that's just me.

AMumInScotland · 29/08/2011 10:45

True, Besom, it may not be parents, people are often involved with other family members. Not sure about "Older" though - the issues are about people being affected by their age, not jst the age itself. So I'd say "elderly" is the right word, as it does suggest they have particular issues with finance / housing / health / etc.

DrGruntFotter · 29/08/2011 10:56

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DrGruntFotter · 29/08/2011 11:04

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DrGruntFotter · 29/08/2011 11:07

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MNHQ
OliviaMumsnet · 29/08/2011 18:31

I think it is a bit of a Monday morning jobby really (well Tuesday as it's bank holiday today)
But we need a good name - elderly parents may make people think it's about those choosing to have babies later in life iykwim
Didn't know that the sandwich generation led to cheese and pickle jokes
If we were to get the topic, what would be a good name for it?
thanks

Original poster
ssd · 29/08/2011 18:33

DrGrunt, you and me are the same person! You are exactly the type of person I want to meet on an "elderly parents" forum and chat/offload to, as we have the same issues going on, my mum is 84 my youngest is 10. I die inside when I see all the grannies out of a day shopping with their grandkids and the only person I know with a mother my age is 58 (I am 44), I could go on for ever

please MNHQ, ca we have this as a new topic?

OP posts:
NormaStanleyFletcher · 29/08/2011 18:38

Another vote for this.

I think that Elderly Parents is good

OriginalPoster · 29/08/2011 18:39

Elderly care?
Care of the elderly?

Original poster
ssd · 29/08/2011 18:40

hi Olivia, sorry posted there at the same time as you!

I think elderly relatives would do, what do others think?

OP posts:
Original poster
ssd · 29/08/2011 18:42
OP posts:
chickydoo · 29/08/2011 18:46

Yes please!!!
Would love to talk about my Mum who is paralized and has dementia, and my Dad who is acting like a willful child.
Lets hope a thread for this gets up and running.

tabulahrasa · 29/08/2011 18:47

um, I've seen this thread in active conversations a few times since Saturday and only just clicked on it just now because I'm at a loose end - I assumed it was for parents who were having children at an older age (and also wondered why they needed a seperate section)

Elderly relatives makes it clearer than parents I think

Original poster
ssd · 29/08/2011 18:52

how about "caring for elderly parents and relatives"

OP posts:
WynkenBlynkenandNod · 29/08/2011 18:54

Another vote from me. I could have done with this last week. Have been working from home, looking after DCs which was enough in itself and had to arrange for Mum's bath to replaced with a shower so had to go round with plumber then find all the bits and buy them. Order her a new mattress, find and interview a cleaner, have Architect round to see if Granny Annexe possible then go for further meeting with him, sort repeat prescription, arrange someone to cut toenails for her.

Then had friend's for the weekend and had to sort house for them. By the time they came I had a migraine and it struck me things are only going to get worse. Sorry, gone on a bit here.

AMumInScotland · 30/08/2011 09:55

I like "Elderly Relatives" as a title - it is short and understandable, and shouldn't cause confusion over people having children later.

AuntieMonica · 30/08/2011 10:01

i'd be very welcoming of an 'Elderly Relatives' section too.

I think naming it 'Parents' could be misconstrued as 'older parents'.

my MIL is the same age as my maternal grandmother, they have the same sort of health issues and as a child my GM was a far greater positive influence on my life.

looking forwards to seeing it and posting on it

Smile
Original poster
ssd · 31/08/2011 08:59

how about Dodderry Old Buggers?

Grin

so come on MNHQ, I'm sure you have nothing else to do but give us this!!

whats the verdict?

OP posts:
levantine · 31/08/2011 09:16

This is a great idea. My in laws are in their eighties, four hours away down the motorway and increasingly immobile

Original poster
ssd · 01/09/2011 08:18

hi again MNHQ!

I'm not going away Grin

OP posts:
FruStefanLindman · 01/09/2011 09:36

I'm keeping an eye out too, ssd.
I'm sure they're working on it - aren't you, MNHQ? Grin Wink

Pinot · 01/09/2011 09:41

Another vote for this please HQ.

OriginalPoster · 01/09/2011 09:49

There's obviously a demand MNHQ...

Original poster
ssd · 02/09/2011 09:28

hi again!!!

OP posts:
Lilymaid · 02/09/2011 09:44

I'll vote for that too.
Now only got a MIL who is in early stages of dementia. Fortunately for us our DCs are now at university and beyond but dealing with elderly parents with health problems is something that creeps up on you. One moment, it seems, they are looking after the DCs and helping you and the next moment they are in need of help themselves. (I exaggerate but it is difficult to deal with the change).