Discussion with a (near) Deaf Dad

My father is nearly deaf. In my introductory post I mentioned that he recently got a hearing aid. Even though it helps a little, dad still has a difficult time hearing. I always make sure he is looking at me when I speak. Sometimes, he'll even  mute the television so he can hear me (but that's a post for another day).

I took a nap this evening because I haven't been feeling well. While I was sleeping, our friends stopped by. Unfortunately, I missed their visit. Upon waking, I went to the kitchen to eat and check on mom (she had been to the doctor today and I wasn't able to go with her). While sitting at the table discussing the doctor's orders, dad entered to tell me my friends were here. The conversation went like this:

 Dad: Some of your friends were here knocking at the door.
 Me: Did you answer it? (Sometimes he won't)
 Dad: Well, I went out, but they were already walking away.
 Me: Ok. Yeah, they did text me (checking my phone). Thanks.
 Dad: They said maybe you were sleeping and they were calling you on the phone.
 Me: It was M and L.
 Dad: The one guy looked like that guy you hang out with.
 Me: Yeah, it was M and L.
 Dad: No, it didn't look like M.
 Me: But it was M. His wife texted saying they were here.
 Dad: But it didn't look like him. I don't think it was M.
 Me: Yes it was. Look! They sent me a message!
 Dad: Well, it didn't look like him.
 Me: He cut his hair and shaved, dad. It was M.
 Dad: It still didn't look like him.
 Mom: Jack (that's my dad's name), it was M and L!
 Dad: Well, it didn't look like him, and I don't think it was him.
 Me: (rolling my eyes) Ok! I'm going back to bed.


It reminded me of this:

Abbot and Costelle - "Who's on First?"

Introduction to Living with Seniors

Welcome, and thanks for stopping by! Though I'm not entirely new to the blogging scene, this is my first serious attempt in years. The purpose of this blog is to share the joys and frustrations of my daily life with my parents. My husband J, a wonderful man, and I moved my parents in with us when we bought our first home. Perhaps a little background on the parents will explain why.

Mom is in her mid-60s with serious health complications. Along with severe asthma and a seizure disorder, she suffers from diabetes, arthritis, and leg ulcers. She is able to get around using a walker, but we fear those days will soon be ending. We have a wheelchair for her, but her weight prevents us from using it often.

Dad is in his early 80s. Generally, his health is ok for a man his age. When he was 68, he underwent brain surgery to have a tumor removed. He recovered well, and only suffers from slight dizziness and imbalance on occasion. He has poor eyesight --a cataract he refuses to have removed-- and poor hearing -though he has just been fitted for a new hearing aid. He needs a second aid, but of course his insurance will only pay for one per every 3 years. He was diagnosed with adult onsent diabetes, but manages it with his weight.

Neither mom nor dad were capable of keeping up with the demands of owning their home. It was already in poor condition, and getting worse every year. They are both on fixed incomes, and it wasn't enough for them to make it on their own. Instead of putting them in a high rise or leaving them to fend for themselves, my husband and I took on the challenge.

In addition to my parents, we are also proud pet-parents. We have a 9 year old cat named Mia, a 7 year old Cocker Spaniel named Paws, and a 1.5 year old Black Lab/Weimaraner mix named Fenris.

So, four adults and three animals results in quite an interesting household. It's my hope to share a piece of our lives.

Feel free to leave comments, or email laurajandseniors (at) gmail (dot) com.

Our house the day we bought it: