Feeling Alone
by Dejay
(S.D.)
I took a leave of absence from my job to be with my elderly parents. My Dad is 93 and Mom is 91. My Dad has been diagnosed with cancer and not expected to live long. My mom has heart disease.
Both should be in a nursing home, but my Dad refuses to go. They still live at home and up until now, my brother and sister-in-law take care of them; preparing meals, Dr. appointments, etc.
They have someone doing the lawn care, and recently had home health, which provided laundry and cleaning services. They also have a Hospice nurse coming out for Dad's care. He can not have surgery or other treatments because of his age and other health issues.
I have been here approximately 2 weeks and already dreading each day when I get up in the morning. They need 24 hour assistance whether they believe it or not. My mother is blind in one eye and my father has hearing loss. It is hard to communicate with my father. My father is very stubborn and set in his ways.
I miss my husband, family, and friends and being here with my parents leaves me little time to socialize with anyone. I feel so isolated. I believe I will be here for about 2 months, unless my Dad passes sooner. The first week, I almost lost it, because my Dad was so cranky and Mom and him were fighting. I feel like I'm in the twilight zone!
My brother and sister-in-law have been very accommodating and offered whatever they can, to make this easier, but it is really hard being away from usual lifestyle!
What can I do?