Nursemomofthree - yes, thank you for the update. It gave me a lift to hear of the progress your mom and your dad are making. Remember - even if sometimes it is two steps forward, one step back, that is progress too!!! And it was wonderful that you have been able to tae naps - in spite of the stress you have been under.
How is your stepbrother doing? Does he live near your parents? Does he have any support system for himself? Sometimes a convalescent home (like the rehab place for your dad) will have a good social worker who will meet - even weekly - with the family for free. And sometimes they have family mutual-support groups. The hospitals also have staff who will meet with families for free. (The 'discharge planners" at the hospital often know millions of important facts. They often meet quickly in the hospital room with the patient and family. But the family can schedule a longer meeting, in the Discharge Planner's office, for free. And in bigger hospitals - discharge planners have staggered schedules - so someone is there on weekends (and maybe in the evening).
You are right that we in the MHH family are able to provide support to each other. We share genuine concern, and feel real affection and love for each other. We sometimes share good ideas and good advice. We share laughter and funny stories. (I refer to Cathymac;s hilarious blog this week for a recent example.) I think we also share patience, and a broader perspective than any one of could have alone.
So please do keep giving us updates on your husband, stepbrother, mom and dad (and children) and yourself! :grouphug:
How is your stepbrother doing? Does he live near your parents? Does he have any support system for himself? Sometimes a convalescent home (like the rehab place for your dad) will have a good social worker who will meet - even weekly - with the family for free. And sometimes they have family mutual-support groups. The hospitals also have staff who will meet with families for free. (The 'discharge planners" at the hospital often know millions of important facts. They often meet quickly in the hospital room with the patient and family. But the family can schedule a longer meeting, in the Discharge Planner's office, for free. And in bigger hospitals - discharge planners have staggered schedules - so someone is there on weekends (and maybe in the evening).
You are right that we in the MHH family are able to provide support to each other. We share genuine concern, and feel real affection and love for each other. We sometimes share good ideas and good advice. We share laughter and funny stories. (I refer to Cathymac;s hilarious blog this week for a recent example.) I think we also share patience, and a broader perspective than any one of could have alone.
So please do keep giving us updates on your husband, stepbrother, mom and dad (and children) and yourself! :grouphug: