Literally it does! My grandparents, begrudgingly moved in with me, simply because I had the space. My dad saw this event becoming reality way before I ever did. In fact, after my cousin moved out my dad made the statement about getting the bedroom setup for my grandparents. I looked at my dad like he was crazy. He said they will be moved in here before you know it.
Yes, it is true, after my mother died, my grandparents seriously aged 10 years. Her death really took a toll on them. It did all of us. They have always been extremely independent and quiet about their business. My sister and I tried multiple times to jump in and help them but they would always politely decline. Eventually they allowed us to drive them to doctor’s appointments if they were in downtown. At least they gave us that!
January 1st, 2016 Nana had a heart attack! It happened at about 4am. My Paw-Paw called the ambulance and she was rushed to the hospital. He called me about 8am New Year’s Day to let me know they were still in the ER. He was a bit confused and said they had tubes in her. Very scary. I told him not to worry that I was on my way. I immediately called my sister. I told her what Paw-Paw had said and she was like “Is she on a ventilator?” I said I don’t know but that I was on my way to the hospital. She was 30 mins behind me, she had to feed the baby.
Sure, enough when I get to the ER they are moving Nana to the ICU and she was on a breathing machine. My sister had made it to the hospital and goes into full social worker mode. I truly thank God, every day that she chose that profession and is so intimately aware of hospitals and how they work. I tend to lose it in stressful situations so even though I am the older sister I let her take charge!
To make a long story short Nana fully recovered from her heart attack. It was a miracle and a very long road to recovery. We made Paw-Paw move in with me. He fought it but then eventually agreed. He had no choice! The drive to the hospital Nana was moved to was too far for him to drive every day. He wouldn’t eat or take his medicine. Nana was always the one who doled out their medicines. Paw-Paw just loses it when there is something wrong with Nana. Thankful Nana could tell him it was for the best!
While she was at that hospital, my sister and I carted Paw-Paw back and forth every single day. I would drop him off in the mornings and she would pick him up. If I remember correctly she spent 6 weeks in that hospital. Then did a 3-month stint in a rehab to regain her strength. Again, we dropped off and picked him up every single day.
My anxiety started kicking in about the time Nana was getting ready to be released from the rehab. I know they were wanting to go back to their home but I strongly felt like now was the time that they move in with me. It made perfect sense. I could help manage their meds, take them to doctor’s appointments. My sister lives 1.5 miles away from me so she would be better able to help as well. My tear-filled pleas were futile. They both appreciated the concern but they were going home. To their home…
Daily Elder Care 