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Elder-caregivers

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Alameda

(1,895 posts)
Thu Mar 16, 2017, 10:46 PM Mar 2017

trying to help/deal with, my almost 99 YO father... [View all]

I am frustrated and angry. He is in pretty good health, but he is taking care of his Parkinson's and demented wife and it's wearing him out. He's hurt his back lifting her.
I have researched resources, like getting respite care and he gets annoyed and refuses. He'd like me to help, but she is much too large for me to even attempt to lend an arm. I did once and she just about pulled me over. Not to mention, I am not qualified for such a task.
The exhaustion is wearing him out. He fell himself the other day. He fell on his face and needed stitches on his nose and forehead. He drove himself to the hospital, which I don't think was a wise choice to do. He was bleeding and he could have had an accident, fortunately, he didn't.
The other day he asked me to sit with his wife while he shopped for groceries. I drove up to his place, not a long drive, but an 18 mile round trip in hills and winding roads. After waiting around I asked him when he was going shopping, when he then decided he wanted to take his wife, which means getting a woman who can't walk, down a flight of stairs and into a car. I refused to go with him on that trip, which would have been a 3 hour ordeal in addition to my then added trip to my home.
He complained about how tired he is and I told him (again)he didn't have to do it he could get respite care. He then threw some things across the room and told me to get out.....I did. Actually, I was afraid of him because he was very abusive me as a child and he used to beat and he had "that look" in his eyes. He still is abusive verbally and emotionally. He tells the neighbors how proud he is of me and how much he loves me. To me it seems quite different.

I am looking for options, considering Adult Protective Services, which was advised to me by a senior facility.

His wife has children, but only one female, who is sick herself and not able to be a lot of help. The males are not much help at all.
I think he is also in some stage of dementia, and since his fall, it's accelerated. Neighbors think he's a great guy, but, of course, they don't see the side I see. He prides himself for being a "Superman". Advice is welcome.

I am a petite 74 year old female in pretty good health, but in no way capable of dealing with their physical needs.

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Have you tried looking into the COPES MFM008 Mar 2017 #1
thank you, I will do that...but... Alameda Mar 2017 #3
This message was self-deleted by its author Maru Kitteh Dec 2018 #34
That's a Washington State Medicaid program. nt marybourg Mar 2017 #5
Yes MFM008 Mar 2017 #27
How about if you offer to do their shopping/banking for them? marybourg Mar 2017 #2
tried that...no way will he accept it. Alameda Mar 2017 #6
Well then you may just have to wait it out. marybourg Mar 2017 #11
Great advice Rorey Mar 2017 #13
He is obviously stubborn, but what a guy! 99 and he's still able to pay his bills, drive a car and Doodley Mar 2017 #14
Yes he is strong, very strong... Alameda Mar 2017 #17
I am sorry to hear that. I have been through it myself. Do they have any means Doodley Mar 2017 #19
Yes, they have means....but don't want to spend it. Alameda Mar 2017 #21
Yes there are advantages to being a vet, but does he have any diagnosed illnesses that Doodley Mar 2017 #23
He gets belligerent Alameda Mar 2017 #24
Anger feels like power ginnyinWI Mar 2017 #28
Been there Rorey Mar 2017 #4
This is the internet and I'm a stranger tirebiter Mar 2017 #7
Life is terminal Rorey Mar 2017 #10
Do they have any money or equity? If so, maybe assisted living or a retirement home Doodley Mar 2017 #8
We just put my dad in hospice gwheezie Mar 2017 #9
I am sorry to hear that about your father. I hope they take good care of him. Doodley Mar 2017 #12
thank you for your response Alameda Mar 2017 #18
It's a huge relief gwheezie Mar 2017 #22
the worst thing is not knowing how long... ginnyinWI Mar 2017 #29
So sorry for your situation. I know it must be difficult. 58Sunliner Mar 2017 #15
Hang in there 🙂 Snackshack Mar 2017 #16
My father had in home hospice care during his last years with dementia Freethinker65 Mar 2017 #20
Get power of attorney asap tirebiter Mar 2017 #25
He won't give it to me Alameda Jul 2018 #32
You are in an impossible situation. PoindexterOglethorpe Mar 2017 #26
I can identify with your situation. cpamomfromtexas Mar 2017 #30
Everyone thank you for your sympathy and advice.... Alameda Mar 2017 #31
My stepmother passed away Alameda Jul 2018 #33
Hello Alameda. narnian60 Dec 2018 #35
adult protective services can actually help... Trueblue Texan Jan 2020 #36
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