My parents and my husband's parents all living-which is a rarity among our friends. Naturally, they are all plagued with health issues. Sometimes, I feel like I am dealing with children.
My mom recently fell and broke her hip. She had not been in the hospital in over 20 years. Things have changed since she was last in a hospital. She was so passive and that is not my mom. I had to educate her on how to be an advocate for herself. I kept calling to remind her to not suffer in silence but let the nurses know she was in pain or needed something. She needed to go to rehab before she went home and my sister and I had to educate my dad on all that was involved before she came home. Mom wanted to go home and not go to rehab because she thought dad could do what she needed. My dad is 75 and is in great shape but still caring for a 74 year old woman with a broken hip requires stamina. Needless to say, mom went to rehab for 6 days. During that time, my dad was able to put up hand rails, get the house walker and wheelchair friendly, and set the bathroom up for convenience. Just as my own children become independent, my parents become dependent. They don't realize they even need my help-just like my children. I am not writing this out of frustration or regret. I am reflecting on how my roles are changing with my children and parents.
No comments:
Post a Comment