This post is sponsored by Depend® brand. All opinions and statements are my own.
Sadly, Mom has been confined to her at-home hospital bed since Thanksgiving week 2018.
It’s been a tough transition, particularly for her. She feels like she is missing out on life. Even before she became bedridden, her mobility and health issues have compromised her participation in activities. Over the years, our family has witnessed the progression of her COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), mobility and bladder leakage holding her back from family events and experiences.
Nevertheless, as a family, we persist.
We have explored creative ways to keep mom connected to life events and experiences.
A memorable beach vacation with Mom
When my twin nephews graduated high school, in lieu of a party, they requested a family beach trip to the Jersey Shore. At the time, their mom (my sister Susie) was the full-time primary caregiver for my mom and living in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Our family had many discussions on whether to bring mom on the trip or hire professional care for her at home.
We opted to bring mom and are grateful for the memories.
My sister found a beach house rental with a main floor bedroom and bathroom that would accommodate mom’s needs. At the time, mom was using her walker for short distances and could ambulate on her own within the house. She required proximity to a dedicated bathroom during the day because she took Lasix diuretic which caused frequent urination. She used a heavy-duty bedside commode chair at night.
We worried mom would feel left out by remaining in the rental while family members were enjoying the beach and dining out. In reality, mom enjoyed napping and reading while we were out and about. During the beach days, the family each took turns returning to the rental for snacks, bathroom breaks and visiting with mom.
At night, we’d hang out in the beach house and play board and card games together. The game we were addicted to during that particular trip was called 6 nimmt! So happy I took a short video to capture the moment!
Like mom, nearly 65 million Americans experience bladder leakage in one form or another, but bladder leakage doesn’t have to get in the way of living a confident, uninterrupted life. Depend® brand knows life is better when we stay connected, even when it’s not perfect. If you experience incontinence or care for someone who does, check out The Incontinence Community on Facebook. You’ll see more tips and advice from others that can relate, as well as discuss issues in a safe environment.
FaceTime helps Mom stay connected
Our family has embraced technology to help mom ‘be there’ when she can’t attend an event or activity.
Using FaceTime on her Apple iPad, mom has connected with big life events like witnessing her niece walk down the aisle and share her wedding vows. Mom has also counted down to welcome in a New Year with us and enjoyed the decor and guests at my daughter’s high school graduation party.
From the comfort of her own home, FaceTime has also allowed mom to watch live sunsets from her favorite spot on the lake and see our home holiday decorations and remodels.
Other simple pleasures
Mom misses dining out at her favorite local restaurants. As a substitute for getting out, Susie shares the online or paper menu and mom selects her choice. When family members are together with Susie and mom, we sometimes order take-out and bring mom’s favorites in for an ‘indoor picnic’ (often the routine is ordering on site while enjoying a drink at the restaurant bar while waiting for our food).
As part of mom’s weekly routine, she participates in Sunday communion, thanks to the local Catholic Church volunteers who deliver this holy sacrament. All our family had to do was call and schedule the recurring visit.
Take action
Is there a service or activity that you or your care recipient misses where technology or home delivery may be an option? Would it be possible to consider a trip or activity and redefine or manage expectations around what ‘fun’ looks like? In what creative ways could you help your loved ones remain connected with life?
Here’s to making new (and slightly different) memories this summer!
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