Hi, all -
I'm having a bit of a family crisis involving my dad, and I'm having to deal with it long-distance. It's time for him to move into a facility, and he's fighting it like somebody's suggesting he be buried alive. He has rapidly increasing dementia and some other mental health issues, so we can't put this off any longer.
Last week he plowed into a car stopped for a light (luckily nobody was seriously hurt). As a result of his accident, he's landed himself in the Serenity Unit at St. Mary's Hospital for the second time in the past 30 days. I'm beginning to feel the strain as this whole ordeal is exhausting and has been going on for over a month.
If it were just dementia, I think we'd be okay, but there are bigger issues. I've always suspected he was mentally unstable, and the doctors believe he has some schizophrenic-related disorder(s) that are making nursing home placement nigh on to impossible. Mental health facilities are also loathe to take eldery patients because they come with so many physical health issues, so this whole situation is incredibly complex and difficult.
In the meantime, he's unbearable to deal with. He's got paranoia and delusions that bring out his worst side. He's convinced the local police tampered with his brakes so he would have a wreck. (You don't want to know why he thinks this - trust me.)
So thank you all for your patience and prayers. It's all appreciated. I'll have the June CCC reveal posted on Thursday.
Thanks for stopping and have a blessed day.
Deborah
So sorry Deborah. Hope it is all figured out soon. Hugs.
Posted by: linda Baker | July 1, 2014 at 06:08 AM
Hi Deborah, thinking of you. Big hugs. My grandmother is 92, 100% fit, except for the little grey cells which last year went a little bit nutty. We are moving her to a flat nearer family and hope it will be OK. It's so difficult to deal with. Both emotionally and physically. Hugs
Posted by: ionabunny | July 1, 2014 at 06:53 AM
Oh, Deborah! It just brings home how few options we have for people like your Dad. I pray someone is able to find a placement for him. If anyone can figure this all out, it will be you. Be strong! Hugs. Lots of prayers.
Posted by: judy jung | July 1, 2014 at 08:31 AM
Sending hugs and prayers to you as you deal with this ever growing problem re: dementia related illnesses. Sure hope this gets resolved quickly for your own peace of mind, Deborah.
Posted by: joy | July 1, 2014 at 09:59 AM
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Monica Maier | July 1, 2014 at 10:35 AM
Sending lots of hugs and prayers. Hope you are able to figure out some sort of placement, so that things aren't so life sucking.
Posted by: cat craig | July 1, 2014 at 11:53 AM
My thoughts are with you Deborah, it is certainly a difficult process and I truly pray you'll find a solution that is agreeable to all. Hugs Robyn
Posted by: Robyn Oliver | July 1, 2014 at 09:34 PM
Oh, Deborah, I'm sorry. This is not a fun thing to deal with. First, I'm so glad no one got hurt in the car accident. Is it possible you can ask the police to take away his license? So he can't blame you for that? Or is that a moot point now since he wrecked the car?
Anyway, I'm sending lots of positive thoughts and hugs your way.
Posted by: Lisa | July 2, 2014 at 01:53 AM
So sorry to hear this sad new, and hope that you will be able to help your dad adjust to new beginning's which ever way it goes. Thinking of you!
Posted by: Kim H | July 2, 2014 at 02:50 AM
So, so sorry, Deborah. Praying for you and your dad. Thinking of you and hoping your dad gets placement soon. (((Hugs)))
Posted by: Paula Sexson | July 2, 2014 at 04:56 AM
Hang in there hon. Such a hard time when you have to take care of your parent and they are having these issues. Sending prayers for you all. Take care
Posted by: Dawn T | July 2, 2014 at 05:25 AM
Sorry to hear what is going on...sending good thoughts your way!
Posted by: ~amy~ | July 2, 2014 at 06:59 AM
Elder care is such a challenge and such an emotional roller-coaster. Don't worry about the CCC reveal, we'll keep your seat warm until you get back! I'll be thinking of you, Jo x
Posted by: Dotty Jo | July 2, 2014 at 02:21 PM
I just read your post. My heart goes out to you. It can be so incredibly hard to cope with an issue as tough as this one. I will keep you in my prayers. Hugs
Posted by: LaVon Hall | July 2, 2014 at 09:49 PM
Thank you, everyone, for all the kind words, thoughts, and prayers. Because of his mental illness, they won't be able to release him from the hospital unit until he can be placed in another facility - which relieves me greatly. He won't be driving anymore, won't have access to his gun or any other weapons, and will receive his meds every day. It is my sincere hope that he will eventually acclimate to his new environment and find peace rather than continue to fight it.
Posted by: Deborah | July 3, 2014 at 11:31 PM
So sorry about your Dad, Deborah! Mental health is one of the hardest issues when it comes to dealing with seniors. I hope that he will be placed in a safe and secure facility. Pray for your (and his) patience and strength in dealing with this. HUGS!
Posted by: Virginia L. | July 9, 2014 at 01:11 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your Dad and I understand the role reversal that you're experiencing. I hope you can find a good facility for him--one that will give you peace of mind. Take care of yourself, too. Sending you hugs!
Posted by: donna mikasa | July 9, 2014 at 08:09 PM