I'm so glad this article showed up for me. My partner who is 75 was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in September 2023 and I became his caregiver. While I am still "young' at almost 62, my greatest fear is that something will happen to me. Then what will happen to Steve? It's anxiety producing for sure!
This is such a beautiful tribute and remembrance. I worked a very long time with people with developmental disabilities and their families. The hardest and most cherished times come when both the parents and their child is growing older. I work with seniors now. Being both the one who cares the most, and the one who is a caregiver is heart rendering. Thank you for sharing.
A lovely way to end a sad and emotional post. Sigh…. I’m so glad that that carer, who was clearly so suited to the role, was able to become qualified thanks to you. Hugs dear Ann. 🤗🤗
Thanks. I thought it was wonderful, too. All I did was to act as my father wanted. She was so lovely and warm, we have kept in touch, although it is nearly 25 years aince my father died.
Ann Richardson, this article strikes close to home. My wife and I are in our mid to hi 70s. She had a pacemaker put in by an exceptional doctor two weeks ago, Sunday. the next morning as we were eating breakfast together she ad what appeared to be a stroke. A CT Scan and later that evening an MRI was inconclusive. What started out as a 3 day stay turned out to be 5 days. I had those evenings at home, alone, and the subject matter of your post crossed my mind a couple of those lonely nights.
We are in a good place as both of our parents are gone so no factors of that sort come in to play. We live in a smallish town with a medical care facility within two miles and a rural hospital within 8 miles. Emergencies will be taken care of, God willing.
To make this story short, as important as yours was, the most heartening thing you wrote was that the care-giver used your lump sum give the way she did. People like her are too few and far between but of
all the teachers, policemen,firemen, you name it, I believe nurses stand above the fray! Thank You, Ann for this article.
Great post. I have a 44-year-old son who lives in the best home with other residents with various disabilities. It is a God-send. We were told when he was born his life expectancy might be 30. Not so. He's doing great, and loves where he lives. We do, however, think about what will happen when we're gone. Thoughtful financial planning can help ease the "what ifs". He has other siblings and extended family who will also look out for him. We trust these relationships and are thankful for the resources put aside for him. Thank you for writing about this.
Ever since I did the research I wrote about, it has stayed with me as one of the most difficult life situations people face. I have interviewed people providing end of life care (and wrote a book about it) and interviewed people dying of AIDS back when they were all dying (and wrote a book about it) and still the problems of the parents with dependent adult children seemed the worst. It's really a shame that the terminology has become out of date because the book gave a good feel for the issues.
I might add that I was reluctant to post that piece as I thought a lot of people might think it was morbid and boring (and 5-6 people did immediately unsubscribe) but I am glad I did.
I'm surprised that some unsubscribed; I'm so glad you posted it. For us, the biggest concern that was eased, was that my son would be ill-treated if no one who loved him, were around to protect him. Thankfully, he's in a multitude of family and church friends, and dearly loved by many. Thanks, Ann.
I interviewed my friend this week for my podcast, and she has two kids living with autism. Their own death a big worry for parents with children who will never be able to live independently. Thanks for an interesting post, Ann! PS (My interview with you will be released April 15th!!!)
I'm so glad this article showed up for me. My partner who is 75 was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in September 2023 and I became his caregiver. While I am still "young' at almost 62, my greatest fear is that something will happen to me. Then what will happen to Steve? It's anxiety producing for sure!
Well, I don't think i can help people in your situation very much, but if it helped even a little, I am pleased.
This is such a beautiful tribute and remembrance. I worked a very long time with people with developmental disabilities and their families. The hardest and most cherished times come when both the parents and their child is growing older. I work with seniors now. Being both the one who cares the most, and the one who is a caregiver is heart rendering. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much. Yes, my research was in the 1980s and it stays with me as if it were yesterday.
A lovely way to end a sad and emotional post. Sigh…. I’m so glad that that carer, who was clearly so suited to the role, was able to become qualified thanks to you. Hugs dear Ann. 🤗🤗
Thanks. I thought it was wonderful, too. All I did was to act as my father wanted. She was so lovely and warm, we have kept in touch, although it is nearly 25 years aince my father died.
Ann Richardson, this article strikes close to home. My wife and I are in our mid to hi 70s. She had a pacemaker put in by an exceptional doctor two weeks ago, Sunday. the next morning as we were eating breakfast together she ad what appeared to be a stroke. A CT Scan and later that evening an MRI was inconclusive. What started out as a 3 day stay turned out to be 5 days. I had those evenings at home, alone, and the subject matter of your post crossed my mind a couple of those lonely nights.
We are in a good place as both of our parents are gone so no factors of that sort come in to play. We live in a smallish town with a medical care facility within two miles and a rural hospital within 8 miles. Emergencies will be taken care of, God willing.
To make this story short, as important as yours was, the most heartening thing you wrote was that the care-giver used your lump sum give the way she did. People like her are too few and far between but of
all the teachers, policemen,firemen, you name it, I believe nurses stand above the fray! Thank You, Ann for this article.
Great post. I have a 44-year-old son who lives in the best home with other residents with various disabilities. It is a God-send. We were told when he was born his life expectancy might be 30. Not so. He's doing great, and loves where he lives. We do, however, think about what will happen when we're gone. Thoughtful financial planning can help ease the "what ifs". He has other siblings and extended family who will also look out for him. We trust these relationships and are thankful for the resources put aside for him. Thank you for writing about this.
Ever since I did the research I wrote about, it has stayed with me as one of the most difficult life situations people face. I have interviewed people providing end of life care (and wrote a book about it) and interviewed people dying of AIDS back when they were all dying (and wrote a book about it) and still the problems of the parents with dependent adult children seemed the worst. It's really a shame that the terminology has become out of date because the book gave a good feel for the issues.
I might add that I was reluctant to post that piece as I thought a lot of people might think it was morbid and boring (and 5-6 people did immediately unsubscribe) but I am glad I did.
I'm surprised that some unsubscribed; I'm so glad you posted it. For us, the biggest concern that was eased, was that my son would be ill-treated if no one who loved him, were around to protect him. Thankfully, he's in a multitude of family and church friends, and dearly loved by many. Thanks, Ann.
Do feel free to share it with anyone if you think it would help them to understand your situation.
Thank you!!
What a bind people are in. Thanks for sharing your insights about this, Ann.
I interviewed my friend this week for my podcast, and she has two kids living with autism. Their own death a big worry for parents with children who will never be able to live independently. Thanks for an interesting post, Ann! PS (My interview with you will be released April 15th!!!)
What a thoughtful piece, Ann - and you managed to give it a happy ending!
Thanks. Let's meet up some time soon.
I would love to be included in that' meet up.' :)