Hello Everyone

[jrsygal37]

Hi guys. Just wanted to pop on and apologize for not being around after posting about Thanksgiving recipes. It's been a little crazy around here. I have been working 40-45 hours a week. Keep in mind I only wanted something part time (28 hours or so a week). I'm not complaining though. So many out of jobs, losing their homes etc. I'm happy I was able to find a job after being a stay at home mom for 16 yrs.

My husband is going in for surgery this Tuesday. He'll be in the hospital for a few days and if all goes well will be home in a few days. If not then he'll be in rehab for awhile. With all this going on my parents who are 80 and 81 have been having failing health. My mom has Alzeihmer's and my dad is her primary care taker. I'm almost embarrassed to say this (no one expects this to happen in their family) but my dad 4 am yesterday morning decided to try and hang himself. He just could not deal with the care of my mom anymore. Anyway, he's now in a psych. hospital for evaluation and my mom it killed my brother and I but we had to bring her to the nursing home. I feel especially sorry for my brother as tomorrow is his granddaughter is being christened.

To top this off I now have custody of their 12 yr. old Cockatiel. They really loved her but due to age and healthy the poor thing has been neglected. Not abused just not taken care of the way she should have been. Her nails are overgrown, and they had her on a cockatiel mix but no fruits or veggies. I'd like to get her a new cage, something bigger so I can put some tree branches in there and some more toys etc. but I'm afraid it will freak her out. I'd also like to change her diet and include fruits and veggies but not sure if that will screw her up. So if any of you are savvy Cockatiel owner's I would love to hear your thoughts.

Anyway, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday Season.

Elaine

[Janet]

Elaine, it sounds like you've had a very trying time. There are a few of us here that are having to help take care of our parents. My heart just goes out to your Dad. It has to be terribly hard for him to see his love slowly deteriorate. I hope he gets better with the help he is recieving. We had to deal with nursing home care for my husbands step-mother. We were very blessed to have a found a real nice one, I hope that you have too.

Sorry I don't know anything about birds, but someone here might be able to help you.

[2tiredmom]

Elaine,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. As for the bird. If you slowly give it new things it should be ok. I had a cockatiel a long time ago.
His name was Sydney. I wish you the best.

[gja1000]

Elaine,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and dad. Unfortunately, that scenario is more common that you would think. Caregiving for a spouse with Alzheimer's is so stressful and depressing. For men especially, since they are not natural caregivers. Women seem to do a little better - since we generally have some child caregiving experience. I'm glad that your dad is getting the help he needs. I hope your mom does OK in the nursing home. It is not what you wanted, I know, but sometimes is very necessary. It sounds like you have too much going on right now. Take care of yourself.

P. S. I don't know anything about birds, sorry!

[DianaB]

Oh, Elaine, you've really been dealing with a lot. I'm so sorry. I hope that things get straightened out and that your Dad will get some help. It's really hard when a parent tries to commit suicide. When my Mom moved out and left my Dad he tried to commit suicide. My brother just happened to go and check on him the next morning and found him. It was a really difficult time for all of us. I'll say a prayer for you and your family. If you need someone to talk to please feel free to pm me. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[Gina]

Hi Elaine,

Sorry to hear all that is going on in your life. I am glad that your dad is getting help. Like Gayle and the others said it can get overwhelming for the caretaker... Sometimes we are faced with decisions in life and God gives you the strenght to do the right thing. Your mom will be fine I am sure you placed her in a good home..Where she will receive the care she needs.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

PS Know nothing about birds sorry!

[judy]

Dear Elaine,

I am so sorry for everything that has happened in your family. Your poor Dad. Your Mom will probably be better off in a facility that knows how to care for Alzheimers patients.

I will keep you all in my prayers.