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/


Robert Update

Robert Update

How bad can it be? He's got his puzzle book and a shake!The first thing I want to tell all of you is how much I appreciate the outpouring of support and concern from everyone.  (I've been posting quick updates on Robert's Facebook page www.face...

Total Extremes

I wanted to write a quick update and promise to update you more later.Yesterday, Robert and I were interviewed for a nationally aired AARP produced for PBS TV program "Inside E Street." Woohoo! It was exciting and nervewracking and I joked with Rober...

The Spring Wardrobe

The Spring Wardrobe

Robert and his Spring WardrobeThe weather is warming up so Robert is finally ready to wear his short sleeve shirts and keep his coat in the closet (well, we’re still working on that – he really likes to wear his coat).  Robert is very particul...

Spilling the Family Secrets

After my mom died, I started writing a book about caring for her through her earlier depression and then as she succumbed to the cancer mercilessly thriving within her.  It took me ten years to write which, even by my perfectionist standards,...

“I am still your mom”

My husband heard these words from his mom as she lay in a hospital bed after having spent hours in the emergency room because of heart failure. It was a frustrating surprise to us she was back in the hospital since she now sported two new heart valves...

Goodbye Wayward Son, Hello Airman!

Goodbye Wayward Son, Hello Airman!

Airman Son & SistersRemember Wayward Son? No effort from him.  Lots offrustration from me (and his dad).  His high school years were a strugglefor all of us. Even the animals got sick of all the yelling in the house. Well, he is...

Priorities: Patient or Paperwork?

When I took Robert to a walk-in clinic on Monday, I knew it wouldn’t sit well with his Care Facility (otherwise known as “New Home”).  It had to be done, though.  Robert had a cough for several weeks which I asked to have checked out se...

This is a Test . . .

Robert was anxious to come over to our house this past weekend and I was happy (and ready) to bring him over.  He is staying for a couple of extra days because he has a neurology appointment today and it just seemed easier to keep him than transpo...

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Preparing for a trip away always involves adding tasks to the to-do list.  Finding care for the animals, finishing work projects to make up for the time away and packing are just a few tasks on my seemingly endless list.  (Picking just the ri...

Solving the Puzzle of Caregiving

Solving the Puzzle of Caregiving

I love this puzzle!To some, caregiving is a juggling act.  There are doctor’s appointments, a quest to find the right diagnosis, paperwork (then more paperwork), calling agencies for assistance, keeping supplies and medications adequately stocke...