You Got What You Deserve!

James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

My dad had some financial decisions that he needed to make for some time now, but he continued to put it off. My husband and I tried unsuccessfully to help him pursue different options, but he didn't want to hear them. He just wanted us to leave him alone!

It was to the point that my dad had almost exceeded the time to do something productive about these financial decisions, but when I tried to talk to him again, he told me that he didn't want to hear it. The first thing that popped into my sinful head is that when this goes sour, I could tell him that he got what he deserved, because he wouldn't make a decision when he needed to, but is that true?

Children run out in the street time and again against being told they shouldn't run in the street or they could get hit by a car. Should an adult say to the child who gets hit that they got what they deserve, because they didn't listen? Of course not! I need to remember that with my dad's health issues, his decision making abilities are somewhat diminished and it's easier for him to put off decisions than to face them head on. I feel truly blessed to have my dad here with us for whatever time that God allows whether my dad makes the decisions he should or not. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: taking Care of An Elderly Parent
By: Barbara Nevins Taylor, Consumer MoJo, via You Tube

Take a Number!

Acts 16: 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily. 

It was just one of those days. My dad wanted me to play dominoes with him. My one grandson wanted me to come to see his new artwork. My younger grandson wanted me to come to the opposite side of the house to see his Lego creation. My husband wanted to tell me about something that happened and I needed to make dinner.

Whew! Everyone wanted me to address their issues and felt they needed my attention right that minute. It crosses my mind that I should have told everyone to take a number! But what would that have accomplished? I said a prayer telling God that He knows my every need and that I trust Him to provide for them. Through divine grace, God got me through this time and so many more like it.

 By relying on Christ's patience in these situations, He allows me to be more of a role model to my family than I would have been if I were running around ranting and raving that no one respects my time limitations. I want to see my family increase through faith in number which wouldn't have been as likely if I had told them to take a number when they were being so insistent. I feel very blessed to have my dad here with us and especially blessed that Christ gets me through the difficult times! Acts 16: 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: How to Create Time for Yourself in a Busy Woman's Schedule?
By: Mary E Knippel, coaxingcreativity.com via You Tube

What Were You Thinking?

And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. Exodus 21:17

 Thud! That sound had become all too common these days. I quickly threw my robe on and dashed down the hall. I could see the light under the bathroom door, so I knew where I needed to go.

I opened the door and saw my dad on the floor with his legs spread out. His head had hit the sink and his arm had hit the toilet. What was worse was what almost came out of my mouth when I realized that he hadn't taken his walker with him. His Physical Therapist had warned him to use it every time he walked, since he had several falls recently.

Could he have forgotten? I doubt it, because I remind him or get him his walker anytime that I see him attempt to leave without it. He wants to feel independent and hates relying on devices.

Fortunately for me, God kept me from uttering the words that would have hurt my dad terribly. I am so very blessed to have my dad in my life falls and all. Even more important than that is that I have God in my life who quiets my urge to blurt out something like the title of this blog that would have caused irreparable damage to my dad's self-esteem as an adult.  And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall be surely put to death. Exodus 21:17

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

 Part 6: One Legged Stand-Prevent Senior Falls: Assessment & Balance Exercises
By: Home Instead, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Caregiver Stress via You Tube



I Thought I Could Do It All

Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that He might humble thee, and that He might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. Deuteronomy 8:16-17

 I thought I could do it all. I thought that when my dad moved in with me, that by my personal care of him, his health would get better, he would gain weight, and that the sun would shine every day. (That's my expression when I forget that God's in control and I think that I am capable of doing more than I am humanly able to.)

That's why this passage is so significant. It's is where Moses is telling the Israelites that when they go over to the Promised Land there will be a time where they will think that they have this land of milk and honey by their own efforts instead of from God who gave it to them, as well as fed them in the wilderness with manna.

I have to remember who is God and it's definitely not me, nor would I want it to be. God always sees the Big Picture and my focus is often very narrowly focused, Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that He might humble thee, and that He might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end;And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. Deuteronomy 8:16-17

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.



I Lost My Cool

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12

My dad fell on Monday night. He wasn't using his walker and fell, although the physical therapist had previously told him that he's to a point where he has to have the walker. Even a cane won't be enough to support him, at this point.

This morning, my dad was watching a western in the front room and got up to go to the bathroom without his walker. I went and got his walker and put it in front of him. He was frustrated by this and said that by using the walker he's not getting stronger. I responded with, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. You just need to use the walker, so that you don't fall like you did on Monday evening."

While I was washing the dishes feeling vindicated in my response to my dad, God gave me the feeling that I had been rude and disrespectful to my dad. I went and apologized, telling him that it's normal to be frustrated to lose some of his ability to walk independently and I was sorry.

I feel ashamed that I responded in kind and have to remember not to let his frustrations or mine affect my interactions with him. I feel very blessed to have my dad with us for whatever time that God allows. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: How to Adjust a 2 Wheel Walker
By: The Senior Minute, www.homecarehoney.com via You Tube

The Results Are In

For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land, Deuteronomy 15:11

The results from the test are in and my dad isn't having strokes. The spells he's having may have to do more with being dehydrated, his medications, or his having a Parkinsonism, but not strokes. Yeah!!!!

He was able to get these tests because he was blessed to have Medicare. One time when a home health medical professional was evaluating my dad for further services, she asked if my dad had supplementary insurance. At first, I felt badly for him when I had to tell her he didn't. That feeling didn't last long when she told me, that people with Medicare have better benefits than those who have Medicare along with a supplementary insurance.

She informed me that it's the supplementary insurances that tie the hands of Medicare recipients and only allow a particular number of physical therapy, etc. sessions. Unfortunately, due to all the hype and hysteria surrounding the Affordable Care Act, people have panicked and have taken out supplementary insurance thinking they were getting more coverage when some may get much less.

I get concerned when I hear politicians, lobbyists, etc. talking about needing to repeal the Affordable Care Act, when to do so would be contrary to what God asked of us in the Bible.  For the poor shall never cease out of the land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land, Deuteronomy 15:11


Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Obamacare, Medicare, How Will Affordable Care Act Affect Seniors
By: Michael Wilhelm with TrustedSeniorSpecialists.com via You Tube

Remember When

I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20: 35

When my dad first moved here, I was amazed at how clear his mind was for someone his age. Of course, he had a few minor senior moments, but nothing major. After a few spells, his doctor thinks they are TIAs, (minor strokes), his memory isn't as good as it once was.

When the doctors asks him which year it is, more often than not, they don't get the answer they were looking for. It's not that bad, but yesterday after an afternoon of medical tests, I mentioned them to my dad and he couldn't remember getting the tests. Maybe it's because he was over tired, but it's concerning.

I don't want my dad to lose his memory. I want to hold on to that part of my dad, and don't want it to slip through my fingers, as if I could really stop it. I have to remember that my dad is in God's very capable hands and will get my dad and us through whatever happens in the future. I just want to appreciate all this time I have with him while he does remember most things. I am truly blessed to have this time with my dad. I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20: 35

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Stroke: the REALITY, Part 2: How Can I Reduce My Risk for Stroke?
By: NationalStrokeAssoc, www.stroke.org, via You Tube

For the Love of Money

1 Timothy 6: 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Shortly after my dad came, we had hired a home health aide to help my dad with his exercises to help regain his strength in his legs. She seemed nice, but I overheard her talking to my dad at the end of one of her sessions.

She was telling him about her financial situation and how her utility bills were so high. The more I was prayerful about this, along with other things discussed in a post called Vain Babblings, I became aware that she wasn't going to be a good fit for my dad. She may not have meant any thing by this conversation, but it is not appropriate for her to be telling my dad about her bills, etc. I've read too many things about people who play on the generosity of those who depend on their care.

I'm not a very assertive person and would have found it easier to ignore the situation rather than deal with it. Being prayerful about how to handle this, God led my conversation with her in a direction where she helped me understand the process of getting a Medicare referral for home health services.

Not only did the conversation go well, but the vast majority of the medical professionals we've had through the Medicare system have simply been outstanding! I'm glad that God took care of these issues even when I was reluctant to act on them. 1 Timothy 6: 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
These Are Other Blogs I Felt Led to Write:

Home-Care in Coeur d'Alene-Find an Agency that Will Find the Right Caregiver
By: Augusthh.com via You Tube


We've Sprung a Leak!

1 Peter 5:10 but the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

For years, my dad had to pay for his disposable undergarments himself prior to moving here, because of incontinence. These supplies are not exactly cheap! I guess that's why he made them last as long as he possibly could.

Unfortunately, there would be times where he would spring a leak! That's a tricky one, because on almost all of the occasions, my dad wasn't aware that he had a leak. It wasn't always easy to know how to share this information with him in a discreet fashion, so he could take care of it privately. I thought he possibly had been putting the garments on backwards, so I started putting an X on the front to make it easier for him.

Fortunately, my dad was able to get these disposable garments from the VA, but old habits are hard to change. I still found that he would spring leaks on occasion. I didn't know how to get my dad to make the changes necessary. Somehow, God took this out of my hands, because after he started getting services with the home health aide, he started changing more frequently and having less leaks. I'm not sure what she said or did, but I feel very blessed that God takes care of issues I don't know how to handle. 1 Peter 5:10 but the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Incontinence: Tips to Manage
By: NationalStrokeAssoc, www.stroke.org via You Tube

Sweet, Sweeter, and Sweetest-Oh My!

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Since my dad is so frail and has lost so much weight over time, we try to get him to eat whenever he can. He has a sweet tooth and loves pie, cake, and cookies. Quite often, it's the one thing that will motivate my dad to eat when nothing else will.

Of course, we tried to get extra calories in by topping it with ice cream, but is it taking a toll on my dad's health? The last two lab tests have come back with high blood glucose scores. We don't want him to become diabetic on top of his other health issues.

I think one time he heard me mention my concern about this, although others tell me I shouldn't worry, because at least he's eating something. Since then, my dad hasn't been having us put the ice cream on his pie or cake the way he used to. He's a very smart man and is looking after his welfare. I am very blessed to have such a proactive role model in my life. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:7

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Educational video 7: Diabetes and the Elderly
By: EatWellNutrition via You Tube



What Happened to the Meds?

Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Luke 6:37 

When my dad first got here, he prepared his daily doses of medications himself. At a point, it seemed that he started forgetting to take them, at times. I realized that we needed a new approach.

I got him a two row pill dispenser. It had a section for Sunday through Saturdays pills in both the morning and the evening. This worked for a while, but then, I kept noticing he would run out of medicine sooner than he should. What happened to his meds? I can't be angry with my dad, because he doesn't realize that he's done this.

I realized that he must be forgetting that he had taken them, and be taking them again. Becoming concerned that this might have a detrimental affect on my dad's health, I was prayerful about this situation. The idea in my mind, which is often how God works in my life, it to put rubber bands on each day and to move it over to just expose one day of medicine at a time. Although it isn't perfect, it is working out better and the weeks worth of medicine is lasting a week. That's a big relief! I am truly blessed in the ways that God works in my life to assist my dad. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Luke 6:37 

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Managing Your Medications
By: NationalStrokeAssoc, www.stroke.org, via You Tube

Clogged Again!

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15: 4 

I'm not really talking about the toilet being clogged again, but my dad. He gets so uncomfortable when he gets clogged. He felt uncomfortable and didn't feel like eating anything which is concerning, since my dad's weight is steadily declining.

I talked with his home health nurse, who said that's quite common. Often when people are constipated they feel full, like they can't eat anything else. So, what do we do because this has become a reoccurring theme? He will take medications to help clear him out and then, in a few days, he's clogged again! Constipation is one of the symptoms of his having a Parkinsonism, similar to Parkinson's, but somewhat different.

They said to give him Miralax powder or something similar each morning with his breakfast liquids. If his bowels are moving regularly, skip a day, two at the most, and start giving him the powder again. Of course, this means that I need to ask my dad periodically about whether he's clogged or not. He's starting to get the idea that when he skips too many days, he goes back to being clogged again. I feel so blessed to have my dad here for what ever time God allows. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Romans 15: 4

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Causes of Constipation, How to Avoid Constipation?
By: Healthtipss Best via You Tube

Food Wars!

2 Corinthians 4: 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, ye the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

My dad lost lots of weight over several years prior to moving here. Somehow, I thought that I was going to be able to fatten my dad up so his frail body could better withstand his health issues. Boy, was I ever wrong! For the most part, he gains two pounds, and loses three.

There are so many issues involved. My dad is elderly, so his body runs more efficiently and doesn't need as much food. He also has GERD which affects whether he can eat at any particular time, not to mention his Barrett's Throat. When he is constipated, he has a full, uncomfortable feeling and eating is the last thing he wants to do. He often naps, which leaves him awake in the night and sleeping late to make up for that lost sleep. When He eats breakfast late just before lunch time, he misses one meal and the calories he would have gotten from it. Additionally, his health issues leave him with less of an appetite.

What I did learn, is I can't get into Food Wars with my dad, although I've tried. It's counterproductive. I just have to back up and provide opportunities to provide things that might tempt him to eat, but wait until it's been sufficient time before trying to entice him. Even that isn't successful for the most part.

 Being prayerful about my dad's declining weight, I have learned that I need to turn this over into God's capable hands instead of thinking I can change things.  I can't, but God can!  2 Corinthians 4: 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, ye the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Elder Care Chapel Hill: Tips on Senior Nutrition 
By: Todd Palmer via You Tube

Ready, Aim, Oops!

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

My dad has Macular Degeneration on top of his other health issues. It's been frustrating for him in that he can no longer read the newspaper and do his crossword puzzles the way he used to. He sometimes misjudges how far back he needs to sit in a chair or on the bed, sometimes slip-sliding onto the floor.

In addition to this, his aim is not what it used to be. There are times when we find that the base of the toilet or the floor have the tell-tale signs of ailing eyesight. We don't want to embarrass my dad, because he just can't see well. You can't get angry with someone who doesn't have control over a situation like their eye sight.

My husband so graciously, bought disinfectant wipes, so we can just clean up after times like this in order to maintain his dignity. We feel really blessed to have my dad here for whatever time that God allows. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: How to Make the Bathroom Safer for Your Elderly Parent
By: Visiting Nurse Service of New York via You Tube

Hold Your Horses and Slow Down!

James 1: 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

When my dad first moved here, he would try to engage me in games like dominoes while I was trying to do the dishes, laundry, prepare dinner, etc. At first, I was frustrated, because I wasn't sure how I was going to accomplish all my daily routines if I stopped several times in the middle of the day to play games with my dad, although I enjoyed the time with him.

One of the days while we were playing dominoes, my dad told me that I needed to slow down, that I rushed all the time from one thing to another and that it is stressful to both me and my body. The more I was prayerful about what my dad said, the more I realized he was right.

I tried to stop more frequently to play dominoes and cards with him. Now, that he's had several spells, he rarely plays dominoes any more, something I really long for. I feel blessed to have all these memories of the time we had together as he taught his great-grandkids and me how to play dominoes.  James 1: 19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiver Help: Creating Feel-Good Moments When Dealing With Memory Loss and Dementia
By: Nancy Adcox via You Tube

The Guy Thing!

John 15: 12 This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends.

Of course, this is talking about Jesus who was persecuted, died, and arose for us. It just made me think of how my dad and my husband are becoming friends. Not maybe on the same level as his friends that he used to work with, but on a different level.

They will be watching what I call "guy shows" and I find it a good time to go to bed earlier than usual. This allows both of them to bond and to have male company. I've found that at times that one or the other of them intended to go to bed earlier, they would stay up later to be a companion watching these "guy shows" together. What a wonderful thing!

God has not only blessed me by getting to have this extra time with my dad, but He is allowing both my dad and my husband to bond in the process. John 15: 12 This is My commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down His life for His friends.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: What Does Friendship Mean to You?
By: oddfellows via You Tube


Rushing to Get the Mail

1 Corinthians 2: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:

I realize that this isn't really talking about this, but the example of how I relate that to my experience is that if my dad had known what would happen, he wouldn't have rushed to get the mail. Of course, that's hindsight.

We, all too often, tried to make it to the mailbox before my dad did, because he had a previous history of falling and we didn't want him out there without a cane or walker. Since my dad moved here, he so wanted to be a contributing member of our household. Each day, he would watch for the mailman. He didn't want anyone to beat him to the mailbox, so he would take off great guns and rush to the mailbox and return with his bounty to share with us.

Well, one afternoon, it caught up with him. He didn't take his cane with him and tripped on our one lone step onto the front porch. At least that's what we think, because Dad was out there a for awhile. I was standing behind the door waiting for him, because he would try to open it with his hands full which seemed to make him even more of a risk for falling.

I finally opened the door to see why it was taking so long and found my dad struggling to get up, blood dripping down his arm. He wouldn't let us take him to the emergency room that day, but he did a few days later. He had fractured a couple of ribs in his fall. Actually, they didn't pick up on the fractured ribs in the initial x ray, but they showed up later in the month when we came in because of breathing issues. We found out that this is quite common.

Unfortunately, we needed to insist on him not getting the mail from that point, which was difficult at first. After a while, he took on the job of letting us know when the mailman had arrived, because he delivered our mail at inconsistent times. 1 Corinthians 2: 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory:

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
These Are Other Blogs I Felt Led to Write:

Caregiving Video: Protect Your Bones
By: Samantha Pelchar and Lois Nugent, St. Joseph's Hospital, Brad Sappenfield via You Tube

He Finally Said Yes, but I Blew It!

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2 Timothy 2:24

I realize this isn't what this passage is about, but I did connect to the portion about patience. My dad kept losing weight and wouldn't drink the nutrition drinks suggested by the doctors. A variety of in-home medical professionals suggested that I use the nutrition drink to make a milkshake for my dad. Every time I would ask him about making a milkshake, he told me no.

Finally, after periodic requests, he finally said yes, but I blew it. I figured that I could put some ground almond meal in the nutrition drink milkshake to get my dad even more nutrients. How wrong I was! 

It turned out that the almond meal was grainy on his Barrett's Throat. He stopped drinking it immediately and wouldn't let me even attempt to make another nutrition milkshake for him even though I promised I wouldn't put the almond meal in it. I realized I needed to be patient with my dad and that some food textures tended to irritate his throat. I feel so blessed to have my dad here with us for whatever time that God allows. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 2 Timothy 2:24

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
These Are Other Blogs I Felt Led to Write:

#12.5 What You Can Do to Help Your Senior Eat Right Part 2: Nutrition for Seniors (5 of 6) By: Mary Alexander with Home Instead Senior Care via You Tube


Dad's Walk About

1 Thessalonians 2: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. 

Almost Every time I would go visit my dad, we would go for what he calls a Walk About. He would walk me around his garden and show me how his garden has changed, what is blooming, has been cut back, etc. I loved this special time with my dad as he shared his world with me.

In the last couple of years, there were a couple of times where he couldn't do his walk about with me when I came to visit him. I think that's because he didn't want me to see how difficult it was for him to walk due to his health issues. He has what they call Parkinsonism. This isn't Parkinson's Disease, but has many of the same symptoms and the declining ability to walk was one of his major symptoms.

When he moved here, he wanted to be able to help out around the yard. We knew how important it was with his previous falls for him to use a cane or a walker for balance, but it was not uncommon to find him out on the sidewalk with a weed eater and no cane.

I would panic, because I knew how detrimental a fall on the concrete would be for my dad. What I forgot to think about was how important it was for my dad to be outside and feeling like he was contributing. I was only thinking about his physical health and well-being, but he derived so much pleasure being outside in the fresh air with my husband.

Now, that he can rarely go outside for very long due to being less stable on his feet, I wish I had been more supportive when he went on his Walk Abouts when he moved here. 1 Thessalonians 2: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory. 

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
These Are Other Blogs I Felt Led to Write:



Differences of Opinions about Faith

But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 

My dad hasn't been baptized and doesn't feel that he needs to do this just to appease someone else's opinion of how his faith should be. I agree with some of this, but it would make me feel much better if my dad got baptized, but he shouldn't do it just because I'd like him to.

He feels that his faith in Christ as our Savior is all that is necessary and that may be right. I've been confused on this one. Having read the Bible from cover to cover several times, most passages on salvation say that belief in Christ as our Savior is all that is necessary, but there are several that say Christians should believe and be baptized. 

I've asked several people I trust to help me with this one. Although there are differences of opinion about faith, I was generally told that faith in Christ as our Savior is mandatory in salvation and being baptized is an outward demonstration of this faith. I just have to trust that God knows my dad's heart and will take him to heaven or will provide someone who can better explain this to him before then. But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
These Are Other Blogs I Felt Led to Write:

 Elderly Woman Witnesses to Man Trying to Rob Her
By: Nick Paranjape on Action News 5 via You Tube

Not Drinking Water to Stop Urinary Frequency

Hebrews 5: 8 Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.

My dad is a very cause-effect oriented person. He doesn't like having to urinate so frequently, which is one of the symptoms of his health issue. In order to solve that, he chose to not drink any water to stop this problem.

Well, this causes side effects that are far worse than urinary frequency. He's had an on-going theme of worse sense of balance, etc. when he gets dehydrated from not drinking enough liquids. This is a tricky one, because according to my dad's logic, his not drinking water solves one of his major concerns, not going to the bathroom so much, especially when traveling.

Wanting to respect my dad's wishes, but knowing the importance of liquids, I had to be prayerful about this. I felt led to talk to his Home Health Nurse who is the one person my dad trusts to give him the straight scoop. After talking to him, my dad will get back to drinking liquids again. Unfortunately, this is a re-occurring issue, because my dad still wants an immediate solution to urinary frequency.  It's two steps forward and one back, but I feel so blessed to have my dad here with us for whatever time that God allows. Hebrews 5: 8 Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
These Are Other Blogs I Felt Led to Write:

Caregiving Video: Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration in Elderly
By: Rooth Law Firm via You Tube



The ER Doctor that Went the Extra Mile for My Dad

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Prior to coming to live with us, my dad had bouts of pneumonia along with his COPD. He may have gotten over it, but after a fall, he started having a rattly sound at times when he breathed and I was getting concerned about whether he was going to make it. Fortunately, it turned out that he had bronchitis.

He took the medications, but wasn't able to shake that rattly sound, which seemed to be getting worse. We ended back at the Emergency Room, but were blessed with getting a young female doctor who went the extra mile for my dad. She ran tests on him to find out what was really wrong and what wasn't. She read lots of research on the internet to make sure she was ordering the best form of treatment for my dad. She checked how different treatments would react with his current medications, which is vitally important to seniors.

This ER doctor gave my dad a breathing treatment that seemed to remedy this on-going breathing problem. He hasn't had bronchitis since then, which had been very difficult to get rid of prior to getting the breathing treatment. We are so blessed that God has put so many supportive medical professionals in my dad's life. 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.
These Are Other Blogs I Felt Led to Write:

Caregiving Video: Respiratory Therapy: About Living with COPD
By: ehowhealth via You Tube

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

Relate2TheBible Podcast

Christ's Grace Abounds

Christ's Grace Abounds

Share the Joy Blog

Share the Joy Blog