Marlene from California

I am currently caring for my mother, Mary. She will soon be 98 years old. She is doing well especially for her age. I was working full time while caring for my father, Ray. He passed on October 18, 2015 at age 94. He had many issues. He was first in ICU in 2007 and had fluid/blood in his brain due to hitting his head while on the blood thinner, cumidan. They drained the fluid and put a metal plate with screws in his head. He since went off cumidan which may have caused the stroke in 2010. He had a major blood clot in his head which was successfully treated. From the stroke, he became partially paralyzed on his left side. About the fall of 2013, he began demonstrating signs of confusion or dementia. His father had dementia, perhaps, Alzheimer's. The dementia is hereditary, in addition, he hit his head and had a stroke. Later, he became incontinent and has had four urinary tract infections. Things were extremely difficult, as he was a proud man and wanted to do it on his own. He would yell and kick the caregivers out of his home. He was falling and hurting himself, as I could not provide 24 hour care and my mom was too old. My melt down occurred when I learned I had a brain tumor & the captain of the fire Department/paramedics claimed I needed to be there asap, as he fell in the kitchen requiring staples to his head. At that point, I transferred him to a board & care down the street and he passed within one month.