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Elder care
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I was wondering if anyone else is dealing with elder care in the midst of homeschooling young children. I’m needing some tips. My dad is living with us and my husband’s brother, though not elderly, is in similar circumstances locally. My mother is one hour away and lonely, though not physically needy at this point, but the other needs keep us from being able to minister to her appropriately.
I grew up in an environment where mom took care of my grandma who died of Alzheimers, and then her dad shortly after.
First, let me say that this is a big ministry opportunity for your kids. They will learn a lot from watching you care and struggle through these hard times. As your kids get older, they should be expected to help you (and your dad) in age appropriate ways. This IS school, but we usually call it life. 🙂
For doing the usual school, i think it would depend on your kids’ age and how much they can independently. Assigning them to certain subjects and then just checking their progress would be easier if you are time crunched and tired. If they are too young for that, I would just read to them and let them do school as the day allows.
Are there some specific questions about scheduling your day? Also, is there any geriatric care providers nearby that could help you have a break in your week while they do the work of helping your dad?
I have not had internet this weekend, and so this response is late. Thank you for your post. I was just wondering how to get it done. Over the past couple/few days I was thinking of ways to streamline things. For instance, our breakfast is over by 8:00. He does not get up until 10:00 and he needs a calorie packed meal. I tend to stand in the kitchen most of the morning. Then of course, ditto lunch and dinner because his schedule is off from ours. So, I’m thinking of things that can be made as a part of my morning routine and then heated.
Another issue is the unpredictability. He does not understand that I cannot drop everything and take him out to the store. I have found that he is fully capable of getting himself down to the corner mart, so that’s helpful. Sometimes though, he’ll pop up early and want to take everyone out for breakfast. That’s so hard because he has so little to look forward to and yet it really interrupts our flow of schooling.
Then there is the junk food that he brings in the house and wants the children to eat. We are not a candy bar family but those things are as common as water around here these days. The children are trying to be obedient, but honoring; it’s a real balancing act! No amount of requests on my part is working (he’s spoiled the dogs as well; they used to lay under the table at meals, now they sit with their heads in a lap, waiting for a handout!).
The children do help. They are a joy to him and we are thankful that we have the opportunity to serve. I am learning that old people can be picky. He told me the other day I had a bad memory when it came to taking care of his business. I thought, “Do what I do for just one hour.” What I said was, “Yep, that’s right, Dad!” My brain does tend to be mush quite often.
Anyway, I’m just trusting the God has a bigger purpose than getting my kids to graduation. I keep looking for what He is doing in this and wanting to join Him in it. We just need to be faithful in the things He puts in front of us one day at a time!
Blessings,
Cindy
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