Yet Another Hurricane Sandy Saga

I know that there have been many heart warming stories that came out of Hurricane Sandy but can you hear just one more?

We lost power for 12 days. It was not fun, it was cold, very cold without heat. Looking back on those days now in the middle of the hot summer, memories of the cold are fading. One positive experience was meeting up with many of my neighbors in the local laundromat. I never went to a laundromat before those days. I was lucky enough to have a washing machine in my first and only apartment. But exchanging the latest news on the power being restored and the common fear that we each shared about the shorter November days and longer cold nights, helped to get us all through. Neighbors supporting one another, lending out the power from their generators, or sharing a meal together at a local restaurant made those dark days a bit brighter. But for my mom, who is now 98 years young, that storm changed her life once again.

i have blogged before about my journey with mom through her elder years. She became a widow at 83 when my dad passed away. She was in good health but didn't drive so her independence was the first thing that she lost after being left alone to live. As the years went by, she began to need more help navigating daily chores. First I hired an aid for 2 or 3 days a week for shopping and laundry. As the years increased, another aid came on board for an additional 2 days. And then a third aid for the weekends. This was in place when the storm hit. Mom also lost power for 12 days. But after one week of bringing her hot tea and food, she needed to get out of her home. It is very difficult convincing an elderly person that they must leave their house but I finally was able to get her to go to my brother's home in New Jersey. His power had come back a few days earlier.

Mom stayed there for 3 days when her legs began to swell and she was unable to walk. From there, she was sent to a local hospital where they were able to reduce the swelling. Then to a rehab back here on Long Island. After a bleeding episode due to blood thinners that she was put on at the NJ hospital, she was sent to NSLIJ. When she was ready to be discharged, she came down with the flu. She was given a flu shot in NJ but still contracted the flu. Finally back to rehab where she spent the holiday season.

Once home,I realized she could not go back to the way she was.Mom blamed the storm but I believe it was just her age continuing to wither her body. So I now hired a full time live in companion. Over the past 15 years I have learned a great deal about elder care and what is out there for an aging parent. I know many sons and daughters who are going through the exact situation that I find myself in. Time, research,and patience is what is needed to sort through all the options as our parents age. Trying to make sure that they are cared for properly within their financial means is the toughest part. It requires a constant eye and changing the care if needed.

Another Hurricane Sandy Saga or just another saga of a life story.