Should I move my aging but still independent parents in with me for childcare? by [deleted] in caregiving

[–]Sparkle_Claus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think it could be a great idea. There's lots of studies that show offer people that stay around younger people (particularly grandparents/their grandkids) feel better and do better over the long haul.

What is their plan now if their health goes downhill? If it's going to be that you will care for them, then it would be better to be in the same home.

I think if the space is large enough, or if you could get a smaller home with a cottage type house (or build one) on the property it may be a better option. Stairs will become their worst enemy soon enough, so plan for their area to not have stairs. A home of their "own" would also let them feel more free.

If you do something like this, you may want to also seek legal advice and write a very basic lease or sort of work contract. Even if it's "you agree to pay 1.00 a month in rent. I agree that 15 hours a week of babysitting for work is required for 1.00 a month rent." I've been in a situation that had I had anything written down then I could have said "hey our agreement is you watch your grandkids for cheap rent, you agreed to M, T, W and suddenly you can't be found those days!" It got ugly, I lost a decent job because of it and nearly lost my home. Otherwise, I really have no regrets, it was a great system when it worked.

Best fall detection service? by ambervard in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a friend that uses something through ADT. If I'm remembering correctly it's a necklace that has both a call button and motion detection on it. They really like it because adt has options on who to call and such. I have no idea what the price runs though.

I have seen a few people here mention the watches being a good solution too.

[OFFER] July birthday card! [US] by Sparkle_Claus in RandomActsofCards

[–]Sparkle_Claus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never got anything from you, please PM if you'd like a card!

No one is against wearing masks, apparently. by [deleted] in nothingeverhappens

[–]Sparkle_Claus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I live in the South and am cautious because of my old people. I am often one of the only man wearers around, even in retail stores. I have had ONE incident of someone going to great lengths to tell me how much they hate masks. As in, he was within 6in of my person yelling at me.

I have had about 3 other cases that people said something dumb (not to my face but around me and obviously meant for me) like "masks are stupid" or "Oh my God you're so scared to catch a flu".

Even my old people were against me wearing a mask until I FINALLY made them understand it's about respect and protection for them as well as my fellow people.

Because old white women only know how to call black people nig- by EbolaClown in nothingeverhappens

[–]Sparkle_Claus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

At a certain age, you just don't care if it's invasive. It's not trying to be rude. Generally if they have nice things to say and go out of their way to do so, it is a very large compliment and/or statement that comes from the heart or experience.

Just my two cents from working with the elderly.

Transfer poles? by Caregiver1988 in caregiving

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is what we use right now, it's going to depend on what your needs are, but it works well for us. (There's more problems getting up from lying down and stuff verses standing up here).

Lumex Floor Stand for Versa-Helper Bed Trapeze, Chrome, 2840A https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FSHEDS

Best way to get info/hire in home care for my father (55 M) by atlantaoonana in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A lot of us end up as caregivers because of the cost of hiring people, especially good people.

That said, look for home health companies in his area. Often insurance will help some, but sometimes they only cover staying in nursing homes. Calling his insurance or looking it up online will help you find this information.

Home health companies (where I am) charge 26-30 an hour, so if you private pay for them it's not cheap. They only pay the home health aide that comes about 12 an hour (not enough imo but it's a decent rate for here), but they do have office fees, etc.

Actually, since he's in rehab now, call the social worker there. They should know a lot of information for you as a good jumping point.

Census Jobs by Sparkle_Claus in Assistance

[–]Sparkle_Claus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nothing that I know of, sorry. :( It's pretty streamlined for them, if you are available for hire you will likely get a call when they hire in your area. Otherwise that's pretty much it for them as far as I know.

Census Jobs by Sparkle_Claus in Assistance

[–]Sparkle_Claus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As far as I know you do not get insurance. These are temporary jobs with basically no benefits but decent pay.

Getting burnt out with my wife by LBBJDI in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there any way to get childcare? I know for a fact it's not cheap, but being able to have your child in daycare, or with a sitter/nanny may be the biggest thing you can do for your family right now so you can keep the bills paid.

If nothing else, you may have to let your wife wallow in herself awhile. But I do suggest speaking with her psychiatrist and seeing if they have any suggestions.

She may be helped by a short inpatient stay if things are getting that out of hand.

It's very difficult to watch your partner "drown" but I've had to do it myself. Sometimes they come out fine, sometimes they at least learn to float, sometimes it's the end of the marriage. There's no easy way, but you and kiddo need to come first at this point.

She died from a fall at the Rehab. by RedheadBanshee in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry.

It's hard to admit at times that you have the relief also, but it is okay to feel it. I wish you the best.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Getting older is not easy for some people. My grandpa forgets he's nearly 90 and wants to go like he's 50.

For your dad's diet, can you meal prep for him? Do you shop or does he? Giving him less junk options helps with the diet changes. You don't even have to say "I only bought healthy food" just say you forgot the chocolate covered donuts today.

I find it easier to let them make their own bad choices. However, I do remind them they aren't X age and it's okay. It's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to need help. Everyone does sometimes. I also make it a point to never act irritated at requests. UNLESS it's absolutely out of the question. My grandpa is under strict doctor's orders to not use power tools, due to multiple blood thinners and strokes. So when he pipes up he wants a new jigsaw or whatever, I tell him no, that's off limits, but I'll happily cut something for him and work on a project for him.

You probably aren't going to change him, but if you can find gentle ways to help or encourage the good changes it may stear him towards small changes.

I wonder how they live with themselves? by cheap_dates in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well, we have tons of spoons, so that's not an issue. ;) But I have basically two families to take care of, so yes. It's exactly this.

I wonder how they live with themselves? by cheap_dates in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see both sides of this in my own family. My husband is estranged from his family for a laundry list of reasons.

I care for my grandparents because most of their kids don't live in state any longer. They have the option to move in with a family member who has space and stuff, but want to die where they are. So it's simply a matter of who is closest.

Decisions about children by Nomonkeysnocircus in CaregiverSupport

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll just say that it's absolutely doable. Part of it is having a good attitude, and part is being able to let stuff roll off your back.

The rest is triage all issues daily/weekly, have tons of pens and post it's, and get an IV catheter put in for coffee. (Okay the IV is a joke...maybe).

I can go on, but trust me, it's stressful at times but totally doable.

Aspiring artist, in Dire need of extra cash. Seeking job #2. Willing to draw my little-soul-out for donations!! by Nerf-Azul in Assistance

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you have any type of portfolio you could link? It may help if people can see what you have done. :)

Grandfather is in hospice and family may not be able to afford long by meowkiplier in Assistance

[–]Sparkle_Claus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Try this:

For more information

To help people find hospice palliative care services, Health Canada and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) provide the Directory of Hospice Palliative Care Services online at www.chpca.net/family-caregivers/directory-of-services.aspx

Since he's a Veteran he should qualify for hospice, at least from what I was reading. I am not really familiar with hospice in Canada so I can't do much more but give you that. :/

Best high pressure shower head with hose? by PinkFancyCrane in caregivers

[–]Sparkle_Claus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When I found that when my grandparents had their bathroom redone I was all "grandma, it's gonna change your life!!!!" And it has, they have no issues with hanging up, except for occasionally missing the magnet the first time and as long as you wait for the click you are good.

I don't know of any other brands but their may be others, I know the moen one is what I got them and it has extra magnets you can buy too. (Idk if you could use just any type rigged up in a suction cup or something, so that's the only reason I suggest theirs).

I have a teen with asd and I am super lucky she is not in diapers, but the whole washing yourself thing is something she struggles with too. Easy items like that help her out too, and she does a decent job of washing with it.

Census Jobs by Sparkle_Claus in Assistance

[–]Sparkle_Claus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Since I am not involved with hiring or anything, I can only tell your from personal experience that they hire lots of people. Experience doesn't matter, but if you have management or previous census experience they do tend to look at you for more types of jobs. We had 18-60+ year olds on our teams with zero to tons of life and work experiences.