need ideas for helping my elderly aunt
jojoco
2 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (15)
Related Discussions
safety over beauty-need ideas, sloping front walk for 3 elderly
Comments (8)gardengal is 100% right on handrails! An absolute must for a long, sloping walkway for balance... If there is a suitable place off the front porch where it either drops to ground level or to a lower level that would considerably reduce the length of ramp required, you might want to consider the option of a porch lift as a complete - or partial- solution. When we bought and renovated this bungalow 9 years ago, my preference was for ramps for access but what I wanted (a double outer wall to allow for a 'hanging garden' to be built into the ramp...) turned out to be much too expensive. In addition, even though the drop to ground level was only about 3', the length of ramp was awkward to accommodate without interfering with garage access. So we had to come up with an alternative in a hurry as the renovation was nearing completion. We had porch lifts installed in both front and back porches. They are practical but rather utilitarian in appearance so we hid them behind lattice walls over which we grow vines. It was a hastily put together solution that is soon going to be due for a re-work to make a nicer arbour out of them. The cost of the lifts, while not inexpensive, was considerably less than the ramps I originally wanted. I'm sure your aunts would initially not like the idea of the lifts from looking at their utilitarian appearance but if you can imagine them with a nice arbour built around them, the idea might be more acceptable. They are certainly a very easy access option. I have a service check done twice a year but, other than that, they've been no maintenance. Power failures are a risk - I got stuck in the backyard for a while during that big power failure a few years ago....:-) If you're worried about something like that, you can get a battery back-up to ensure power is always available. These aren't the best of pictures, but here is a view of the tower wall (the 'tower' contains the machinery that oporates and supports the lift..) for the: front lift: back lift: Just another option to consider.......See MoreI dread visiting my aunt -- any ideas?
Comments (14)I can relate to not wanting to visit. Although I don't have to get into the circular one-note conversations like those you have with your aunt; my mother carries on a conversation, I just have no idea what it is about and her responses will have nothing to do with anything I've said! Plus she usually doesn't quite know who I am either; most often might say that I am her sister, sometimes her mother, often not sure at all. I don't know if she gets anything out of my visits, or remembers them in any way. she's been like this for over a year now and I find it harder and harder to go to the nursing home to see her. It is like a chore to cross off my to-do list, like anything else I have to get done on my days off. I wonder if we had had a more loving relationship would I be more or less eager to visit? As it is, I am the only one of 5 children who sees her regularly since I am the only one in town. One brother never visits or even inquires about her; the others have come about twice each in the past year. She had a personality disorder and was not the best mother (to put it mildly). Other than keeping an eye on her care and filling societal expectations, my visits don't seem to have much purpose for either of us. I was lucky in that her mental and physical status deteriorated so quickly from a series of strokes that caregiving at home was never an option that I had to seriously consider. She went from living independently to rehab to extended care to nursing home in short order. The worst time was in that first nine months when I had to repeatedly contact the nursing supervisors to address the fact that they weren't noticing as her care needs increased. Well after all that, I guess I don't have any suggestions, but at least you know that you are not alone in your feelings either. It is a funny thing about those fingernails. My mom has lately become combative about being bathed, and has slapped and pinched me when I try to trim her nails. Even just *gently* using a washcloth on her hands produces cries of "you're hurting me". Strange that seems to be a common phenomenon--others have mentioned it too....See MoreMy Mom is elderly and difficult... Help?
Comments (36)There's a lot of ways people age. People can become more difficult in old age because as we age, we gradually loose control of our lives and also gradually loose our sense of being important. A lot of that is societal, but some of it is just how individual people define power and control. I know plenty of seniors who still contribute to society even after they retire, by serving on boards and volunteering for community service. They relate to others as friends, not just as bosses. But some people, like my folks for example, who were bosses at work their whole lives and who define power and contol by being infallible, do not deal well with aging. I would say, generally, that controlling people have a very difficult time with aging, and get more and more difficult as time goes on. 72 is not that old, but some people act like they are going on 92 their whole lives. Which is ironic, because there are probably some spry 92 year olds out there! Bear in mind what others have said, you can't control your mom but you can control how you react to her. You have some rights in this situation, and she has some adult responsibilities. If she chooses not to act like an adult (assuming she doesn't have some kind of dementia), then you are not responsible for her problems. Choose what you will do, and make it very clear that you are going to do as you see fit and if she doesn't like it, that is NOT YOUR PROBLEM. That's the only way you can deal with co-dependent people. You're just going to have to accept that she is going to be elderly and difficult. There's a difference between compassion (which you should exercise with your mom) and co-dependence, and the key is to navigate the line between the two. Recognizing the problem, like you have, is half the battle. And I think it also helps to share the burden by talking with others who are going through the same thing. I know I get a lot of solace from comiserating with my friends who are also dealing with or have dealt with difficult parental relationships. (Just ask Annie, lol!)...See MoreNeed Paint Help Please ...where is Aunt Jen
Comments (4)Karen that is the Question Truly that is stumping me too. House built 1925. What is it to be? My house is a augmented Arts and Crafts. It has tons of character yet truly does not meet its own place. Its has no Arts&Crafts in it -due to all the augments within via the previous owners. The previous owners lived in this house for over 50 yrs and changed a lot of the insides " to accommodate their growing family" So here I come and and change even more. Basically this house within has been a disaster .. one after the other .. I have seen my contractors with years of experience want to bang their heads against the wall. * seeing what was within the structure, electricity, etc. I do not have a set theme for this house for Decor. I am one that Hates perfect. I cannot stand typical. I am ready for it makes no sense but looks great. Mish Mosh of eras and colors - yet with taste. I have spent a ton of money for my kitchen cabs .. that I re-faint over every time I think of it. I guess the only theme that could be made sense of is a colorful Farm house interior. Because it is truly not Arts & Craftsman. I am planning on painting my dining room set and buffet - and Brooke knows that too and even offered to paint them any color prior to me buying them. I however had not chosen a color scheme at that time. So I received them white. She and I talk on the phone and she has emailed me instructions on how to re-paint with color and for the furniture to remain shabby and or distressed. My quandary is the Wall color for my Kitchen with the Red Cabs. They are Ice Washed and its very noticeable. The actual cabs are Elmwood and the Wood is Maple " Iced Merlot". You cannot see within the photos but the cabs have actual undertones of plum and twilight navy blue ... The counter is a multi-spectrum of natural stone colors and has hints of deep cranberry, navy and even peach ..itty bitty pin points but actual true peach. Specks of Cream. The Sink is one piece within the Counter. It is part of the counter. Created by LG. It has no rim, no under mount, nothing. I ordered it in Cream. Its a true cream. Its a cool toned Cream. Not a yellow base cream. So when you wipe your counter down - NO Edge what so ever" to your sink. After my Cabs are installed then they will come to " exact template" the counters and create them. (( and Install them)) YAY - I have not had a kitchen sink in 2 wks .. Its not Fun. Will be yet another 2 wks I am guessing ..for my counter/sink to be installed. I am thinking a of aged bronze for my Faucet. I found a faucet on the Delta site Hmmm its way too much though. I found the same facet on line ... waiting for my plumber to get me the discount from his supplier. I do not want to buy online. Delta Faucet "Saxony Diamond" I have no idea for what my windows will have - I had in the past curtains from " Old World Market Cost Plus" but they left my state .. due to our lack there of economy. I was crushed beyond words. This is a Painting that I have had for over 20 yrs that I would love to hang in my New Kitchen Dining area - I am not sure the one area is large enough ... I am pretty sure it is though. Ms Karen I have been in this Renovation since last week of August and I am tired of thinking :( Anything you can suggest or anyone else - Please do...See Morejojoco
2 years agojojoco
2 years agol pinkmountain
2 years agojojoco
2 years agol pinkmountain
2 years ago
Related Stories
PLANTING IDEAS3 Color Palettes to Help Set Your Garden’s Mood
Select plants in these color combinations to create an outdoor space that’s cheerful, energizing or calming
Full StoryHEALTHY HOME16 Ideas for a Healthy, Feel-Good Home
Making these small tweaks and bigger shifts at home can help you thrive everywhere you go
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN12 Small-Deck Design Ideas for Outdoor Dining and Lounging
Space-saving layouts, clever furnishing solutions and creative plantings help make the most of these compact areas
Full StoryDISASTER PREP & RECOVERY7 Ways to Help Someone Hit by a Hurricane
The best things you can do in the wake of devastation are sometimes the most surprising
Full StoryFEEL-GOOD HOME10 Ideas to Make Your Home Feel Warm and Welcoming
Learn the secret to creating an inviting home that everyone wants to spend time in
Full StoryLIFE10 Smart Organizing Ideas That Make Life Easier
Rethink where and how you store household basics, from bills to baking supplies, to buy some time and save some headaches
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNIdeas for Contemporary Garden Paths
Clean lines and modern materials shine in these 11 sleek walkway designs
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSE10 Low-Cost Tweaks to Help Your Home Sell
Put these inexpensive but invaluable fixes on your to-do list before you put your home on the market
Full StoryDECLUTTERINGDownsizing Help: How to Edit Your Belongings
Learn what to take and what to toss if you're moving to a smaller home
Full StoryPETSHow to Help Your Dog Be a Good Neighbor
Good fences certainly help, but be sure to introduce your pup to the neighbors and check in from time to time
Full Story
mtnrdredux_gw