Folks are in WV I'm in Mi. Just got back home after a week long visit. I checked out 3 AL places near them. Found a smaller one that is very well run and has sort of one big family feel to it. Mom agreed to go for a visit. Dad? Hell no! We don't need any help, everthing is fine! Yeah, right.......
Mom couldn't beleive such places existed. She remembers the horrible places they stuck people when she was a girl. She loved the idea of all her needs taken care of and never lifting a finger. This was the highlight of the trip but also:
Found the last gun, unloaded it and took the shells to the cops for disposal. Stuck it back in the closet cause Dad likes to check on it once in awhile.
Disconnected some scary wireing to an old post light Dad has been trying to fix.
Emptied vac. It's a stupid bag less thing with 2 filters and 2 compartments. Dad can still run the vac but emptying the damn thing is way beyond his abilities.
Trimmed trees hanging over driveway. You could hardly get your car in the drive.
Tracked down the sleezy manager of the place that sold Dad several annuities about 5 years ago. Threw my POA on his desk and threatened to close out the accounts unless he gave me updated info and withdrawal info. All set now if I have to us the funds for care.
Got info to change last 2 utility bills to my name.
Changed furnace filters and cleaned and fixed old sump pump in the basement. No matter what you ask Dad about, oh I just checked that the other day........NOT
Cleaned out scary stuff in fridge, did 8 loads of laundry, cleaned house, bought food, fixed mailbox, raked leaves,
Disabled 2 chainsaws, and stole some scary power tools Dad has no business trying to use.
Met friends for dinner and much needed strong drink..........
Don't want to seem like I'm bragging, but Am quite pleased with myself.
And before the lectures start, I talk to mom each day and Dad has not mentioned dead wiring or missing tools or unloaded gun. He may figure some of it out but will probably think he lost stuff or unloaded the gun and will forget about it by the next day.
So we're still in a holding pattern, they are as safe as I can make it and if Dads dementia or Moms health takes a dive, AL will have to happen. But I'm ready to launch when needed.
You did an awesome job at the parent's, not easy is it? Actually, I've always found the physical work far easier than the mental work... still do
Kudo's to you buddy!
Although, your mom may not admit it, it must be incredibly stressful to be the caretaker for a person with significant dementia. I can't imagine how she does it.
But I guess I could be an international handy man if people wanted to pay my freight. Let's see.....There'd be plane fare, hotels, four star only, meals and booze, rental cars or trucks, and I'd have to hire local help for things such as heavy lifting, attic or crawl space work, any digging, and most painting.
Are we ready to start the WindyRidge Fan Club?
WE'LL DO THE JOB RIGHT IF IT TAKES EVERY DAMN CENT YOUVE GOT!
When you leave GA's place I"M NEXT!!
Add big screen tvs, lots of them, so guys can watch sports all day long to their hearts' content.
Maybe the Donald can use his millions to put this kind of scheme into action - that would automatically garner millions of votes for him.
I have a list of chores that you'd love to do. I could even throw in some electrical work as a bonus since that's your occupation.
Seriously, great work - it's wonderful to feel that sense of accomplishment.