Glad I stumbled across this.
My wife and I have been dealing with caring for my father for the past 3 years. Longer than that if you count the years we spent our vacations at his place.
We moved him in with us because of his advanced Macular degeneration and other problems in Oct 2006. We had to do some major renovations to the house before that though (another story for another time).
I have 2 younger brothers one in Fla and one fairly close to me here, we hardly hear from anyone regularly. I think I can count on all three of my hands how often the closest bro has visited. They do call but most of the calls are initiated by dad. Ok, enough b%&#@ing......
Since I'm a shift worker my wife has to deal with alot of the day to day issues. The biggest issue is dad's increasing frustration with himself that causes him to lash out or become angry and then become depressed. I can understand his feelings (becoming so dependent on others) but is't still uncomfortable for her. He's never become violent and I don't expect this to be an issue.
Another issue we're handling is his hygiene, sadly this is becoming the #1 issue. His sight is almost gone and he's having problems cleaning up (I'll leave it there). He doesn't seem to notice it though which baffles me.. I've tried to point it out to him but he doesn't retain it well and then he's emberassed and that depresses him even though I tell him it's ok. And then we start all over again...
ok, enough venting, thanks for listening and I think I'll find some helpful info here.
Mike.


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Welcome, Mike. Glad you found your way here. Does your dad have issues other than the macular degeneration? The reason I am asking is because of the cleaning issues that he doesn't notice and his frustration and depression... Have these changes been reported to his doctor?

Looking forward to getting to know you & your wife. Many blessings to you for all that you do for your dad.

Hello Mike, very glad to meet you. You and your wife deserve so much credit, I don't even know where to start. We will try to share our collective experience with you both.

Welcome to ECO, and please if you will. share us with your wife. She can pick out one of us, (ME, I'll do it) to vent at in PM. At the moment I have about lost my own mind so I think I can quarantee that you or she can use me as a sounding board...Sorry at the moment I can't promise a quick reply.

You are both very welcome here.