Getting Help
Cindy on September 12th, 2011
The healthy and strong individual is the one who asks for help when he needs it. Whether he’s got an abscess on his knee or in his soul.” ~Rona Barrett
The past several weeks have been even more challenging than usual. I’m noticing yet another decline in my mother’s dementia and health. It’s time to enlist the additional support and help I’ve needed for a while. Whatever it takes, this month I’ll be researching and interviewing in-home nurses, aides, assisted living facilities, and as many elder-care options as I can find. Meanwhile, I won’t be posting or spending as much time online until I get things in place. Thanks for your patience.
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September 12th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Cindy, I remember you and your mom in my daily lovingkindness ritual ~
May you be safe,
May you be well,
May you be content in the moment,
May you feel peaceful and at ease.
Sending good thoughts your way ~
September 12th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Thanks so much, Sharon. That’s beautiful!
September 12th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Good for you, Cindy. This will give you more peace of mind, and assurance that the time you have with your mother will be of a higher quality. While you might be dealing with guilt feelings, believe me, your mother will feel even guiltier if she knows you are doing all the heavy lifting when it comes to her care. It will be a comfort to her to have other helpers, who, I am sure, she will come to appreciate and enjoy.
September 12th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Leslie, Thanks for your thoughts. I have given up the guilt, and have started to worry, for the first time, about the toll the stress is taking on my own health/emotional state. I am ready to bring in some help. You’re exactly right about improving the quality of time I spend with Mom. For now, most of our time is spent sitting in countless waiting rooms, in medical offices.
September 15th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
This is and will continue to be a difficult journey, but taking it will be one of discovery for yourself. It is in our greatest trials that we find our inner strength.
That you are sharing this time with others is a gift, and one that will encourage and inspire many for ages to come
September 16th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
Hi Cindy, I so know what you’re going through in a been there done that kind of way. It’s hard to call in for help but if you’re concerned about your health it’s a big red flag that the time is now.
One thing I’ve learned in this process is that although parents often go into assisted living kicking and screaming, if you can find the right facility, it’s just a short time before their social calendar is so full that you need to make an appointment to visit them. I’ll pray this happens for your mom and brings a rebound in her energy and memory.
Sending you love and prayers. You are a good daughter. Hang in there. xo jj
September 18th, 2011 at 8:27 am
Love and hugs Cindy! You are a wonderful,loving daughter and know what the right thing to do is…..
We’ll be around.
September 22nd, 2011 at 2:37 pm
Thank you, Starrlife! I will be back!
September 22nd, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Cindy,
I too have been there and done that. It’s a hard row to hoe, but ultimately, it can be a gift.