Life never seems to get any slower, and this week it's going to be a total whirlwind. My elderly parents are moving house and it feels like I am the one moving! There is so much to organise!
They both have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, although it's possible that much of Mum's memory loss and confusion is simply down to the stress of looking after Dad. In their new place - a retirement village - there is a wide range of social activities, support when they need it and even a restaurant, coffee shop, library, hairdressers, grocery shop - and lots more - without even having to set foot outside. I think it's the perfect move for them. It's also closer to my sister and me, so we can visit more easily and more often.
This week I've been making Easter cards for Craftseller magazine. I can't show you the whole card yet, but you may be able to see a little Easter bunny's ears in the bottom corner...
I've also been working on lots of other things... I'm trying to put together a few things that will make life easier for Mum and Dad, as well as make the new place feel like home. Sometimes, even in the flat they've lived in for 15 years, Dad asks when they are going home (it's so sad, but in another way not so sad as he usually thinks he is on holiday - which is probably not too bad a way to live life!).
One of the things I'm doing to make the new place feel like home is a big framed montage of old family photos, including their wedding in 1953...
I've enjoyed putting them all together - they have a lot of happy memories and I think it's important to try to hold onto them, especially as their own memories become more fragile.
Wish me luck with the move! It feels like a military operation - two of my daughters are helping out with looking after my parents on the day, while my sister and I will oversee the removals and pack the boxes. It's at times like this you realise how important family is.
What have you been making this week?
17 comments:
Best of luck for a smooth moving process Wendy. You must give yourself a treat at the end of the day as you will be probably shattered! It's a really good idea to have the photos and memories for them as it does seem to help elderly people feel more at home in a new place if familiar things are around. I hope they will be happy, it does sound like a good place to live with all the amenities close by.
Hope the move goes well. Sounds like a lovely place they are going to. It will be good for so many things like the shop and hairdresser so close to them. The photos will be a big help.
Hope everything goes smoothly for you. I know it will be a relief to have them nearer to you and that they have everything they need on the complex.
Hope all goes well - sounds terribly stressful. I really hope your parents settle down happily in their new home - moving is bad enough and unsettling at the best of times, let alone if you're feeling a bit confused. Good luck x
Good luck with the move. My mum lives in sheltered accommodation, and the decision to move there really was a good thing. She is 93 and still independent and has as busy a social life as she wants. It did take her a while to adapt, and for about 6 months she did say she was going to move again. Hope it all goes well, and I do like their wedding photo.
Families are precious, good luck with the move, I hope it all goes smoothly for all of you.
Jan x
Aww i love that photo of your parents on their wedding day! Photo's are such a great way to keep the past alive aren't they, i think your idea of using them to make the new place feel like home for your parents is lovely.
Your Easter card looks fab, i look forward to seeing it in its full glory :) x
I hope the move goes well. It is a great idea to create the picture album for them to look at. It's lovely to think that your Dad thinks that he's on holiday. I'm sure they'll have a fab time in their new home♡
good luck hun and love the preview of the easter card x
Good luck with the move Wendy, yes family are so important at times like these.
Hope everything goes well with the move. Love the Easter card xx
Thanks for sharing the photo, it's really beautiful and I'm sure the montage you are making will help your parents feel at home/surrounded with familiar things.
Thanks for all your good wishes.
Ginx, it's so good to hear your mum is still independent at 93 - my mum is a spritely 86 and I hope this move will give her the opportunity to be independent for as long as possible.
Good luck with the move Wendy - a stressful experience for everyone involve. Hope you have a good week.
Good luck with the move, its a lovely idea to put those homely touches to it when they move, I'm sure it will help them settle in more easily.
So true. I keep saying to myself 'when things get a bit quieter I'll...’ but it doesn't EVER get quieter! Good luck with the move. Sounds like it will be a challenge both logistically and emotionally. That wedding photo is gorgeous! What a lovely moment captured!
Good luck to you and your family with the move! I love the wedding photo, they look so happy!
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