My dad started dialyses treatments at around 80 years of age. They lasted for several years before he ultimately passed away. Dialysis is a life draining experience for the elderly. At that time I lived over an hour from my parent’s home. My cousin (who lived with my family during her childhood and was more like my sister) lived ten minutes away. She was an RN and a compassionate caregiver. She visited my dad and mom at least twice a week to manage their health issues.
My mom remained in her home for about a year after my dad passed away. She was becoming very needy and relied on my cousin for health related issues. She decided to sell her house and move into an elderly apartment complex providing her meals daily. This was a very good accommodation until my mom’s mobility began to fail. She moved into an assisted living facility for several years and gradually increased her level of care over time. She passed away at 94.
Throughout all of those years my cousin was there to provide extraordinary care and affection. Countless trips to emergency rooms at all times of the day and night. While I regularly visited my parents she was the first responder. I don’t know what I would have done without her. I thank her to this day. I was very fortunate to have my cousin willing and able to care for my parents. God bless her and all caregivers that give unselfishly of themselves to care for others. And God bless the staff at her assisted living facility who provided excellent care until her passing.
John
Massachusetts