Robert's Sister

Robert's Sister Robert is my disabled brother who has suffered from uncontrolled epilepsy his entire life. In his mid-40s now, it has taken its toll on his physical and mental abilities. As his older sister, I do my best to help him so he can live a long and happy life in spite of his challenges. Robert can no longer live on his own and lives in a residential care facility. I manage his care and spend a great deal of time with Robert which gives me plenty of stories to share. I hope our stories help other caregiving families with the challenges of caregiving.

Web Site: http://www.robertssister.com/


Kindness – Every Little Bit Helps

Kindness – Every Little Bit Helps

It is sometimes difficult to believe in the goodness of the human race when there is such evil, violence and despicable acts splashed across most news sites.A fond memory of momIt can be difficult to see the goodness even for a Pollyanna like me, espec...

Discombobulated

Discombobulated

I love the word “discombobulated.”Only a moment of peace -do not be deceivedJust hearing the word conveys its meaning: confusion.  The word bounces around your mouth as if in a state of confusion itself.  Whenever I say it out loud it tak...

TMT: Too Much Time (Together)

TMT:  Too Much Time (Together)

Richard and his mom coined the term, “TMT.”Since Richard is his mom’s primary caregiver, they spend a great deal of time together going to doctor appointments which are usually an hour away or during her hospitalizations for surgery or heart-rela...

Dos and Don’ts for Medical Professionals: A Caregiver Perspective

Dos and Don’ts for Medical Professionals: A Caregiver Perspective

I am very grateful for the care Robert received in the hospital last week but, unfortunately, there were varying degrees of attentiveness and competency.  Much of his treatment and care was wonderful and appreciated but there were a few instances ...

Counting My Blessings

Counting My Blessings

A week ago Friday, Robert woke up with a temperature of 102, difficulty breathing and unable to sit up without assistance.  EMTs were called, Robert was taken to the emergency room and diagnosed with septic shock and pneumonia.Robert is happy to b...

When Things Are Too Much

“I was wondering if this would be too much for you.”A friend, Denise Brown, recently asked me this but she wasn’t referring to caring for Robert.  She knows Richard and I can care for Robert and that bringing him into our home was the right ...

What?! Wait! I Have to do Math!?

What?! Wait! I Have to do Math!?

My biggest concern about moving Robert in with us was the responsibility of his medications.  Will I be able to keep them in stock? Will I remember to give them to him at the right time? Will I be able to organize his refills and keep the Day Prog...

Welcome Home, Robert

Welcome Home, Robert

No more rationing how many nights Robert can sleep over;No more arranging doctor appointments not only around my schedule, work and when Robert is sleeping over but New Home schedule; Robert's first "official" night home -with a bowl of Rocky Road...

Slaying the Medication Worry

Slaying the Medication Worry

Medication dispense times per day: 7Four days of Robert's pillsTotal number of pills to give per day: 25Medications to keep filled on time: 9The consequences of screwing this up: severe (increased and/or prolonged seizures, physically hurt from increas...

Preparing for Move-In

Preparing for Move-In

My checklists have checklists (and that’s on a normal day).Preparing for Robert moving in?  Let’s just say my checklists are having a tough time keeping up.Preparations are well under way and tasks are being crossed off the list at pretty good...