A new normal....

 It’s been 16 days since dad went to memory care, his new home is at “Cottagewood”, only a few blocks from my house! He has a nice room with 2 big windows! All-in-all, things are going ok. He isn’t happy to be there but I guess in all fairness who would be! “Home” is where we all long to be!  Dad is slowly getting used to his surroundings, but still struggles with directions, finding his room and the bathroom! The staff is kind and patient with Dad, they are good at keeping us informed and they really like our dad! My siblings and I feel blessed to have each other, we each have our “gifts” when it comes to taking care of dad, I’m just so grateful that we communicate well, and share in all the things that involve our parents as they age!  

These two have always had a sweet relationship. 

They loved Rick from the first time I brought him home to meet them.

“There will come a time when your loved one will be gone and you will find comfort in the fact that you were there caregiver, that you were there to love on them, to cherish them, to hear them, and to remind them how important and loved they are”. (Love this quote)

On July 29th my Dad turned 86,  we celebrated with a visit and cake.

My sis, her hubby Darin, Randy, Rick, Dad, Mom and my Rick!

Dad enjoyed haveing his family near him.

Probably some "smart talk" going in here <3

Love you dad!

It's been a rough week...

It's been a rough week at the Hemmer's.

Covid reared it's ugly head for beginners 

and then...

My sweet dad had a couple of rough days, which lead to a more urgent search for memory care placement, We also beckoned some help from hospice, and the visiting angels.

 He is advancing in the decline, 

Dementia is a cruel disease.

The last 6 months have proven to take a toll on dad, excessive weight loss, more confusion, weakness, More "bad days" but still some good days and much more sleeping.

All of these things are the normal progression for dementia/parkinsons disease.

A few weeks back, my siblings and I visited two Memory care facilities, 

we had planned to visit 2 more before deciding, but dad is too weak, unsteady, 

confused and needs more care than us 4 kids and mom can provide.

 For now we are all taking turns staying with mom and dad (day & night) until he is "placed" this week. 

We never wanted to make this decision for my dad (parent) but there comes a time when circumstances sort of make the decision for you. As the adult children of our parents we want to be 100% there for them, but we all still work and have bills to pay. Three of us 4 kids live out of town, and when it comes right down to reality, and most importantly...we are not equipped anymore to physically care for our dad.

 

So many of you have had to go through this process, we are not the first and wont be the last, for those of you that have been through it, you know the pain, the second-guessing and anguish.

I have been doing a lot of praying this week! I know a God who is all-knowing, 

He is a God of perfect timing, and I believe He will see us through this together as a family. 

We will continue to love Dad the way we do... he taught us well.

If you're the praying type please pray for our family as we navigate through this coming week.

It will be hard on all of us

My brother Randy sitting with Dad on the 4th

Rick and I missed this annual event at mom & dad's because of Covid.

He adores all his grand and great-grand kids

(just 3 weeks ago)

A few years ago, us 4 celebrating Dad's birthday.

This was a little over a week ago, Dad had a good day this day.

It's crazy how fast he declined in a week. 

 I'm hoping we can still have more rides in the country, and stops for coffee and treats

Love you dad,