Comments on: Interview: One Caregiver’s Story, Part 1

By: Survey Says . . . | Tender Loving Eldercare

Survey Says . . . | Tender Loving Eldercare — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:39:15 +0000

[...] Fridays to keep us all laughing. I will be adding more interviews with family caregivers, like the one I did with Lori Hoeck a few months ago. (If you are currently a family caregiver and would like to be interviewed for [...]

By: Interview: One Caregiver’s Story, Part 2 | Tender Loving Eldercare

Interview: One Caregiver’s Story, Part 2 | Tender Loving Eldercare — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:03:38 +0000

[...] One Caregiver’s Story, Part 2 November 24th, 2008 In Part One of my interview with Lori Hoeck, family caregiver for her mom, age 79, she candidly told us how her [...]

By: Funny Fridays: Because It’s Better to Laugh than to Cry! | Tender Loving Eldercare

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:11:42 +0000

[...] Two of my interview with Lori Hoeck titled “One Caregiver’s Story.” You can read Part One here. Share: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new [...]

By: SpaceAgeSage -- Lori

SpaceAgeSage -- Lori — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:11:01 +0000

Hi Jill,
Thanks for the kind comments. As Linda writes, it’s a roller coaster existence mentally and emotionally. My husband and I realized last night that we will have to start helping my mom with her before-bed routine, too. It’s always something!

By: Linda Abbit

Linda Abbit — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:38:57 +0000

Hi Jill,

Your comment was “lost” in my spam filter until this morning, hence the delay in my reply to your comment. Sorry.

Lori’s story is really something! Being a caregiver is a roller coaster ride for sure — whether you’re a caregiver for aging parents, for a contemporary with an illness, or for a child born prematurely. Caregiving comes in many shapes & sizes.

Welcome to the TLeC community!

By: Linda Abbit

Linda Abbit — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:57:13 +0000

Hi Urban Panther,

It seems like you are well aware of your parents’ health, physically and mentally. That’s the first step — awarenss of what’s “normal” for them and then any changes that start to occur. They are lucky to have devoted children.

Welcome to TLeC, although I think you may have commented here before. I know I’ve visited your Lair, so maybe that’s what I’m thinking of. In any case, welcome!

By: SpaceAgeSage -- Lori

SpaceAgeSage -- Lori — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:43:21 +0000

Hi Urban Panther,
Thanks, and I’m glad your parents are still healthy!

About the “stiff upper lip” mentality: I’m so trying to chuck it out of my life. I know I’m tough (EMT, former firefighter, 3rd degree black belt), but I’m starting to value graciousness and the ability to say, “Why, thank you!” to anyone who offers me a hand.

By: Urban Panther

Urban Panther — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:07:04 +0000

Great post, Lori. And thanks, Linda, for inviting Lori to share her experiences. Both my parents are still healthy, but my brothers and I are starting to notice a deterioration in my mother’s memory, and her ability to retain information.

This comment is interesting: My mom comes from a family culture where you endured silently any aches, pains, or misfortune. My father definitely does the British stiff upper lip thing. He had a very bad fall in 2001 and shattered his hip. You can tell he is in chronic pain, but he refuses to use a cane to take the pressure off, or admit that he hurts in anyway. But it’s written all over his face and in his body language by the end of the day.

By: Caring.com - Jill

Caring.com - Jill — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:55:10 +0000

What an amazing story of love you are sharing. I am so sorry to see anyone have to deal with this difficult part of life, but it sounds like you are doing a phenomenal job as both a caregiver and a daughter. And I have to agree-Mom definitely looks like a movie star in that picture! I will be sure to take a peak at http://www.spaceagesaga.com as well! Thanks for sharing such detailed information on the ups and downs of daily life!

Jill

By: Linda Abbit

Linda Abbit — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:40:06 +0000

Hi Davina,

I think Lori’s mom looks like a movie star — she reminds me of Donna Reed from the TV show “Father Knows Best.” (I’m dating myself here!) Your grandmother was lucky to have you as her granddaughter — your love for her shines through your words.