Thursday, December 31, 2015

Christmas 2015

 

Wesley Chapel, Florida (high 82, low 68)

We are still in the Tampa area caring for my Mom. 

December has been warmer than normal, with daily high temperatures in the mid 80’s most of the month. With the high humidity and temps, it’s almost felt like summer.  Almost.   It looks like we’re getting a break from the heat and humidity today as it’s only predicted to be 82.  Winking smile

We are getting an actual cold front  by the week-end, with predicted  highs  only be in the 60’s.  It will be warming back up but I don’t see any 80’s in the forecase for the near future.     Thank goodness.  We are more than ready for some cooler weather.    The mosquitos are worse than I can ever remember, perhaps due to the wet summer they had. 

I wish I could post pictures and tell stories of the fun things we are doing, but unfortunately, the only fun thing we’ve done is go to the gun range for target practice.  Hey….it’s a great stress reliever.  Smile with tongue out

Our days consist of going to Mom’s house and staying with her.  Al has been wonderful and he goes with me each and every day.  He works around her house, while I care for her and her house and deal with insurance and caregiver issues.

Her long term care policy only allows 6 hours per day for the caregivers, which is a lifesaver, but still leaves a gap that my brother and I have to fill. 

We found out yesterday that she has an addendum/rider on her long term care policy that gives her an extra 2 years of coverage.  She can use 2 years of in home care and then another 2 years of assisted living or nursing home care.  That is a huge benefit!  We thought she only had 2 years coverage, so we’re pretty happy about that. 

The main problem now is finding good caregivers that can work the hours we need.  We go through a local branch of Visiting Angels, but the caregivers are all independent contractors. They can decide what hours and days they want to work.  Of course, finding people during the holidays has been a struggle.   We have two main women that have been caring for Mom, but one took a vacation over Christmas week and the other won’t work week-ends or evenings.   My brother is in retail, and he works week-ends and evenings. We have been struggling finding caregivers so that Al and I aren’t over there till 10pm or have 10 hour days over there. It’s very draining. I will be glad when this week is over.

We kept Christmas pretty low key this year.   We didn’t exchange gifts between ourselves, because we pretty much buy what we want all year long.  We got a few things for Mom, and wrapped a few things she already had, so that she had plenty of presents to open, and wrapped a few things we had already bought for ourselves, so she wouldn’t feel bad we didn’t have any presents.   Smile

We took a few pictures with the new Galaxy and we were too tired to bother and see how they came out…….so here is the best we got.

Mom, brother Steve, and Al

Christmas 2015

 

Christmas 2015

Christmas 2015

 

Christmas 2015

Christmas 2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 Christmas 2015

I’m still having trouble with Open Live Writer and haven’t “practiced” enough to figure it out, but it’s still better than writing through Blogger.

We have some friends that live on the water on Anna Maria Island. They have a boat, kayaks, paddleboards and all the fun toys you could want.  They have been inviting us out for a fun day, but so far we haven’t been able to find the time.  We’re hoping to take a day off soon and head to their island paradise for some fun and sun. 

Happy New Year to you all.  

13 comments:

  1. I sure hope you will be able to take up your friend's invitation. It really sounds like you need a break. I know many people who haven't been able to follow their own retirement dreams because they have parents they must care for. You are all angels!

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  2. We completely understand how draining it is to care for a loved one. Thank goodness your mom has such loving kids.

    Hope you're able to find some free time to get away and enjoy yourselves, you need it so much.

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  3. We have been going through that same issues with both our mothers the last couple years.
    You need a break and get away good luck.
    Happy New year to you as well.

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  4. I read your blog I've been reading it for a long time but hardly ever post... but I felt compelled to post I feel for you and your caregiver duties I'm in the same boat only with my 91 year old father who is not in very good shape but refuses to go into assisted living or any other thing... my sister lives in Pennsylvania I cannot help so I'm pretty much alone here... it sure was a bonus finding out about those extra two years...... hopefully you can find some help and ease up the burden in this coming year... I will not be able to go to my home in Pennsylvania this summer ... I now live in Melbourne Florida.... so I'm going to try and find someone to help whether he likes it or not... anyway here's to a better new year have a good one...donna

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    1. There are caregivers like Visiting Angels, but they charge about $20 an hour...pretty pricey without insurance coverage. I know there are people who do it on their own. The key is finding them. You might try a church or hospital. We have cameras set up in the house to keep an eye on them, even though they've been vetted by the company and passed background checks, you just never know. Good luck. I hope you find some help.

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  5. I, too, hope you get a chance for a break soon.

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  6. Your Mom is very lucky to have you, Al and your brother there to help out. Hope you can get things sorted out with a couple of good caregivers so that you two have a chance to have some time of your own.

    Happy New Year and wishing you the best for 2016.

    www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

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  7. Wish you only the best as well as a Safe and happy New Year>

    It's about time.

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  8. Let us know if you come our way- we always have a cold drink available :)

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  9. Happy New Year! You two are wonderful to be taking care of your mom the way you do. I like the way you did Christmas with her. Very thoughtful!

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  10. What type of weapons do you have to take to the firing range? Pistols, revolvers, long guns? Just curious.

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  11. Very good pictures and post of trip for good trip you need a taxi and we provide you that taxi service we are Detroit airport taxi .

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  12. Hi Karen and Al! You guys look like you're having a blast and seem to be pros in the RV Travel lifestyle. I work for the Route 66 RV Network, if you're interested in doing an interview for us? I'd post it on a Florida RV dealership's, (J.D. Sanders RV Center) www.sandersrvs.com blog to promote you guys as well as show people the ropes on how to get out and moving!

    Would love to hear from you guys!

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