Welcome back!
Readers of Elder Care Cafe will undoubtedly realize I haven’t posted in quite a while. It has been a long almost six weeks mainly due to a crashing computer that has since died. I just got my laptop back from my daughter who used it while at school. Today is a new beginning for Elder Care Cafe in that we are beginning anew to keep caregivers, family members, and seniors abreast of current trends in senior health care, providing support for those who are caregivers, and providing an opportunity for anyone involved in the aging of America to express their opinions.
As far as caregivers needing an exit plan, I wrote on this topic a while back. Having moved in with Dad over three years ago, I knew I did not want to stay in his home after he died. During the last three weeks, circumstances in our family led us to decide to move into an apartment which is much more manageable physically and financially than the large house Dad has lived in for 38 years.
Tomorrow is moving day. It has been a bit of a challenge due to no computer and no car (long story each), but with the wonderful “village” of family and friends we are making the transition. We are both looking forward to the move. I’m very surprised that at 87, Dad is excited about the transition. He decided that with Mom gone, he had no reason to stay in the house they had shared for so long. I’m very proud of his attitude!
The challenge has been in deciding what to keep and what to get rid of. Again, family and friends have helped. We have given away much of the items we no longer need and have sold a couple of others. We have been glad to be a blessing to others who have had a need for items such as refrigerator, stove, washer/dryer, and other furniture but could not afford those items at this time.
We are looking forward to the holidays. I got my annual turkey as a retiree from the hospital where I used to work and we will have a delicious dinner Christmas day in our new home.
I am thankful that we are moving now knowing that I did not want to stay in the house after Dad died. This way, when he does go – if he goes before me 
– I have already sorted out what I want to take into the future and have a lot less to worry about than trying to sell a house and get rid of all that furniture without his imput.
Once again, I encourage all caregivers to think ahead and plan for a future behind caregiving. It will provide you with peace of mind and help you sort out what you need and who may be able to help you out. I am amazed at the decisions we have needed to make during this time that I would not have wanted to make by myself. I am thankful to all family members and friends who have helped us in this transition. Hopefully, the move tomorrow will go smoothly, the weather will cooperate, and we will enjoy a wonderful holiday season in our new home.
