This is a sponsored post through Global Influence. All opinions are mine.
I am thankful for many things. However, one thing I’m thankful for this year is that this year is almost over. It hasn’t been great to us or my family, to be honest. I could make a list of reasons, but the main and only one that matters is that we lost my dad in September. Leading up to that, however, he had spent weeks in the hospital. It was close to 2 months, actually, all combined.
He initially went in because of one of many minor strokes. That turned into two separate surgeries to repair blockages in his neck and his heart. It was finally his heart that couldn’t take anymore, though he gave it a good fight. So much so that he was finally able to come home, where he passed. Prior to that, however, we had conversations about where would be the best place to care for his needs. There are many care options that you can read through on careconversations.org to consider. I wish I knew about this site then, as these conversations are not easy talks to tackle and I admit that it was hard for me to be a part of. While most of the burden and responsibility fell upon my mom, she made sure to include all of us in the ultimate decision.
At 81 years of age, my dad had always been such a strong man, the rock in our family. He looked out for us, worried about us and was always there for us. It only made sense that we did the same for him when he needed it. He had a good life, I just wish we could have done more. It’s devastating to see my dad, my kids’ grandpa, in such a condition.
We settled on bringing him home, with in-home care, because that was what he wanted. After so long in a hospital, I also think that’s what he deserved. We knew that it was going to be a lot of work and stress on my mom, though. She probably couldn’t have taken on all of his care for long, as his medical needs were extensive. We would have had to have help eventually.
There are so many options when it comes to long-term care facilities, whether it’s outside the home in an assisted living environment or in-home and rehabilitative. If you’re considering care options for a loved one or parent, there’s a checklist on Care Conversations that will help in understanding and customizing your needs.
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This is such a hard subject. Personally I don’t want to think about it, but I will have to some time.
We have been dealing with this for the past year with my mother in law. Unfortunately her health is declining and she needs more help.
My father is now in his 90’s so I can completely understand dealing with these difficult choices. My dad is still in good health and I pray he stays that way for a long time to come.
Thankfully my parents are young enough that I have not had to worry about this, but I know there will be a time. Glad to see there’s options like Care Conversations.
Bless your daddy’s heart!! May he rest in peace. Good for you for taking him home to care for him like he had wanted.
As much as I want to bury my head in the sand & not think about these hard decisions, I know I need to. I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for writing about a challenging topic so that we are better prepared.
This is definitely one of the hardest, and may be THE hardest, conversation to have with older family members. We placed my granny in a nursing home two years before she passed (unexpectedly) in 2012. It was hard to do, but she wanted to be with people her age, some of them already her friends, and receive care 24/7.
When my dad was sick, we opted for in home hospice care as opposed to putting him in a facility. We felt that it would be the best for him and most comfortable for him. The day he was supposed to be transferred home he ended up passing away.
I’m so sorry you lost your dad. My parents have started to take care of all the hard topics so that when the time comes, the decisions are already made.
My sisters and I have had this conversation with my Mom. It’s really not easy, but it is like a weight being lifted off your shoulders once it is completed. I know it made my Mom feel better too. This is a great organization and a needed one, too!
My father in law passed away this year too. It was hard letting him go, but looking back I now know he was ready. He was a good man too, and I miss him so much.
It is sooooo hard to make those decisions when the time comes. We’re at that place with my mom now and it hurts.
This is definitely something families need to be discussing. While she still gets around great (probably better than me), my Mom is already living with me.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. It’s such a hard and emotional decision!
I am sorry to hear about your father. My parents are getting older and I don’t know what I would do without them. I like the checklist on care conversations. It is very informative.
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dad.
Have sort of had a talk with our oldest about our wishes, but not very in depth as we’re only in our 40’s and she didn’t want to hear it – was hard for her, but one of these days, I hope she’s grateful we’re having these conversations now rather than there being any question of what we want.
Sorry to hear about your dad. I had to experience the loss of my dad and both my in-laws and I miss them dearly. Luckily, I never had to deal with a long-term care facility. My mother is 89 and was living with me for some time and is now with my sister. She is healthy and that is a blessing.
Good for you that you were able to discuss long term care with your dad which greatly helped in the latter part of his life. I do agree that it’s hard to initiate “the talk” to an aging loved one that is not open in discussing finances. But if there’s a will there’s a way and of course everything will be easy with the help of care conversations. I checked the website and there’s no doubt that this company can help anyone who is in dire need of guidance in terms of choosing the right care setting and perfect payment option. Long term care cost is skyrocketing nowadays, the very reason that people should plan ahead. Asking help from your adult children is not a sign of weakness. This only shows that you really love them because you will plan for your future and will spare them from the burden of paying for your expensive care costs.