Hi everyone, I am new to the chat room. My father is 92 and my daughter is 37, and I take care of them, with alot of help from respite, and a care giver who takes care of my father. My father is a retired engineer and has prostate cancer. he gets along pretty good, can still go to the grocery, doctors appts and out to eat with oscar, his caretaker. I organize all his appts and give him his meds. My father is kind of cranky and forgetful.
My daughter, Roslynn is retarded, autism and has lupus-she is on 14 different medications, but she is not too bad either-she goes to a sheltered workshop five days a week and is stable now.
I am 56 and i work at a community college where I also go to school, I am a biology major. I am also actively trying to get back in the nursing field. I have been on a long break-10 years mostly due to my depression. I am in remission now and I am on medication.

Mostly, I just need some other caregivers to talk to because it is hard to find someone like me to socialize with. A while ago I felt so isolated when someone in my group said sarcastically,"I could never do what you do." And I said back to her, "What would you do if your husband had a stroke? I am sure that you would take care of him.

Any way, I am over that now. I plan on visiting the chat room three times a week Mon, Wed, and Fri in the evening west coast time. I am looking forard to meeting all of you.

Hi Laurie,
It is nice to meet you. How are your parents doing? Are they hard to care for?

quote:

Originally posted by lauriek:
Hi There Angelnot,

I am new to this forum as well, and am a caretaker just like you. I take care of my 83 year-old father and 72 year-old mother.

I too am looking for support and friendship. Being a caretaker does sometimes feel like a lonely role to play in which others do not care what you are going through. Angelnot, I do care and hope that you and I can help one another and make new friends on this wonderful resourceful site.

God Bless,

Laurie

Nice to meet you. You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders and handle a busy life! Glad to see you here. :-)

Welcome, anglenot! The chat room is not functional, but we're always just a few keystrokes away here on the boards.

You certainly have your hands full! Many blessings to you for all that you do for your loved ones!

Hi There Angelnot,

I am new to this forum as well, and am a caretaker just like you. I take care of my 83 year-old father and 72 year-old mother.

I too am looking for support and friendship. Being a caretaker does sometimes feel like a lonely role to play in which others do not care what you are going through. Angelnot, I do care and hope that you and I can help one another and make new friends on this wonderful resourceful site.

God Bless,

Laurie

Welcome to ECO. (officially, I think it is called a message board because it stays in print for all comers to read and learn.) What do I know, I didn't even have a 'puter in my house until 3 years ago. Now I really don't know how I survived without the support and information.

You sound like a pretty useful person yourself, so jump right in with your experience and add your 2¢. Looking forward to getting to know you. Most of us are/have been active caregivers and are in and out all the time. Make yourself at home.