Navigating senior years.

[Donstar]

My 102 year old aunt called me yesterday. Her vision is failing but otherwise she is doing remarkably well.  Her daughter has moved in with her to assist.  The daughter, my cousin, is the same age as me.  The two go out for a drive, a meal or shopping daily and attend their local church on a regular basis.  Trying to imagine living with my daughter or son in 2056 is playing havoc on my brain today!

[Black02Silverado]

59 minutes ago, Donstar said:

My 102 year old aunt called me yesterday. Her vision is failing but otherwise she is doing remarkably well.  Her daughter has moved in with her to assist.  The daughter, my cousin, is the same age as me.  The two go out for a drive, a meal or shopping daily and attend their local church on a regular basis.  Trying to imagine living with my daughter or son in 2056 is playing havoc on my brain today!

That's great, 102!!!  Yeah, 2056 seems like a little ways off but it's just around the corner.  When they say life was great 40 years ago, I'm thinking 1970's, nope, try 80's. LOL

[StingerZ16]

Living with my son or daughter would be fine.

It would be their spouse I could not handle.

[Donstar]

I would not want to live with my kids unless there was not another option.  There may come a time  I am on my own and can't physically care for myself.  This is when I will need to be in a seniors' care facility.  We've cared for a parent in our home and another in their home.  Both situations can be very hard on the caregiver and the person needing care.  My mother spent her final six years in a care home.  She had an active social life and her personal physical needs were met by trained professionals.  Her family spent a lot of quality time with her at the facility without the stress associated with needing or provision "personal" care from immediate family. 

 

 

[KARNUT]

It depends on the situation. We have researched assisted living in North Carolina and Texas. My mother in law is in a great assisted living apartment. She thrives there. She would be unhappy living with any relative. It is expensive. There are levels of care depending on needs. My wife would be easy to deal with if any of the kids wanted to live in our home once I passed. I have one daughter who is currently divorced. In ten years she would be almost 60. It would probably be perfect for her to move in and save money for her retirement. And save her inheritance that would be drawn down in assisted living. They are two peas in a pod even looking the same. It really depends on health and the level of care needed.

[Donstar]

June 19th I will receive my third joint replacement in 54 weeks!  A well meaning friend said, "In a year you'll feel like a new man!"  I'm sure I will feel much better a year from now than if I didn't have the surgeries, but I'm not expecting a reversal on the impact of aging.  I try not to waste time "waiting" to feel better.  I won't be able to drive for at least six weeks following my upcoming right knee replacement.  I've started looking for a used mobility scooter or electric trike or mini golf cart to rent/buy that can take me to the local malls and shops.  I know my wife will drive me wherever I need, but if there are tools to help me maintain independence, I will take advantage of such devices!  I am sure there are members who have experience shopping for a vehicle that doesn't require a licence or peddling!  Any recommendations?

 

 

 

 

[Donstar]

Tomorrow I go in for my third joint replacement in jus a little over a year year!  I am not worried about the surgery but I am a little annoyed about going through the recovery process again!  I keep my frustrations to myself as I do appreciate that I am truly lucky.  Knee, hip, and shoulder replacements are routine, safe and improve mobility.  The next couple of days will be slow but every day following will see steady improvement in my mobility.  

[txab]

Good luck and if appropriate for you 

[Donstar]

My overnight hospital stay turned into five.  I developed a post operative fever and an erratic  heart rate.  A blood clot in the lungs was the culprit.  This is apparently a common post surgical complication and easily remedied.   I was the youngest in a four bed ward and a Doctor with a Geriatric specialization was in charge of my care.  All of the nurses were good and some were outstanding at dealing with old people.  It was very evident that my age triggered a different level of care!  My advice to any senior going for a hospital stay is to have a trusted family member advocate visible.  If not, you will still be well cared for, but you may discover that your voice  isn't as strong as it once was! 

[KARNUT]

1 hour ago, Donstar said:

My overnight hospital stay turned into five.  I developed a post operative fever and an erratic  heart rate.  A blood clot in the lungs was the culprit.  This is apparently a common post surgical complication and easily remedied.   I was the youngest in a four bed ward and a Doctor with a Geriatric specialization was in charge of my care.  All of the nurses were good and some were outstanding at dealing with old people.  It was very evident that my age triggered a different level of care!  My advice to any senior going for a hospital stay is to have a trusted family member advocate visible.  If not, you will still be well cared for, but you may discover that your voice  isn't as strong as it once was! 

Good luck 

[txab]

hate to hear you went through that. Glad things are getting better

[diyer2]

Speedy recovery.

[Donstar]

1 hour ago, diyer2 said:

Speedy recovery.

Recovery is pretty harsh at this point.  I could probably seek more medication to ease the discomfort, but I don't want to be dealing with withdrawal when I am physically able to drive again.  How are you doing?

[txab]

What pain meds are you on?

[Donstar]

8 hours ago, txab said:

What pain meds are you on?

T3's and Ibuprofen. I do have a cryotherapy unit (ice machine) and a lift chair that will allow me to raise my legs above my heart.  There are topicals that I can use once the wound is fully healed.