I’m jumping ahead with this post but want to talk about things I have learned about being a primary care-giver. It was just stated on the news that there are more people over 65 now than under the age of 11. Many seniors are looking after their aging parents while dealing with their own challenges both physical and emotional. It is a constant learning curve. I’ve listed some of the discoveries I’ve made along the way that have helped my mom and in the process, eased my mind about her safety and well-being.

One of the best things I did was to have her accepted as a new patient with my doctor. She was reluctant to give up her own doctor but quickly realized the inconvenience of driving an hour each way to see him. My doctor is patient, caring and we never feel rushed. We go to all appointments together and I receive any and all information pertinent to my mom’s needs.

I have Power of Attorney but it is only good on paper. Phone calls still had to have mom verify who she was and who I was. I sent copies of the notarized document to Revenue Canada, Pension plan, insurance providers, extended medical and financial institutions. I can now call on my mom’s behalf, sign papers and do all her banking. It was suggested that her bank accounts have my name added in order to pay bills, question transactions that she had long forgotten and in the event of her death, the accounts will revert to me and not be frozen.

One piece of equipment I found very useful is a four-legged cane. Although resentful at first, mom came to rely more and more on a cane. She purchased a regular one but became frustrated that it fell to the floor when she put it down. I happened to see one that stayed upright in a fabulous store in Maple Ridge.

  http://www.independentlifestylestore.com/pages/home

These type of stores carry numerous items that we need and appreciate.

It became apparent a couple of years ago that mom could no longer walk far without tiring and she was constantly afraid of falling. Taking her to appointments and shopping was getting harder and harder. I thought a wheel-chair would be the answer. But they are heavy and cumbersome.  Learned about a Transport chair. Lighter and easier to collapse, it turned out to be the perfect solution. We rented it a couple of times and when we decided to buy it, the rent was applied to the purchase price.

Showering was becoming problematic and I learned about a shower bench. Sturdy, comfortable seat and rubber feet. Mom was still able to have a little independence.

Shoe shopping should be relatively simple but not for seniors. Mom wanted a pair of summer sandals. I took her to seven stores. The store clerks brought us choices that were impossible for someone who can barely see and walk. Tiny buckles couldn’t be fastened. Heels were out of the question. No one seemed to understand the predicament. Finally, out of desperation, I posted on Facebook and someone told us about Payton and Buckle

http://paytonandbuckle.com

They had the perfect comfortable sandals.

Anyone know where to buy bras for seniors?......