Caregiver Tips I Missed *What I Know Now*

I wrote the post on 12/23/2009, and Gramps died a year later. Many people are finding themselves in a caregiver role. I’ll post several of my experiences as a caregiver.  Breath. 

As mentioned in an earlier post I care for my 92-year-old grandfather, I’ve been here for five weeks. Here are a few lessons I missed in the Caregiver 101 manual.

Ask the doctor what happens if the procedure does not work.

If a second procedure fails does not work, is there a third option.

What is the recovery time and what type of home health services are needed?

Is the surgery needed for a 92-year-old who is already dying?

Gramps went in for non-invasive surgery, but nothing prepared me for the outcome. I’ve been through many surgeries with my grandfather. The procedure had not been performed before however it was non-invasive. It actually sounded like the least complicated procedure to date. I forgot nothing is normal or non-invasive at 92 years old. We went from going home that afternoon, to having three surgeries over the next seven days. I made the mistake of thinking the procedure would go as they had in the past. Age makes all the difference, just five years at this stage in life can change everything.

I’m blessed to spend this time with my grandfather. We still have a long road ahead. It is very emotional and tests my patience. I’ve become the parent and he doesn’t like me telling him anything especially when to take his medicine. He has raised his voice more in the past month than in my lifetime. It’s hard to take it in stride. The stress has triggered my depression so I struggle to keep myself in check and take care of my grandfather.

XO M