20 Comments
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Debbie Hamilton's avatar

big hugs to you and your father...such a difficult position for both of you.

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

It stinks, but we'll get through it.

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Serena Phillips's avatar

Thinking of you. What you're doing is so hard!

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

It's hard but it has to be done.

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Stacey Kowbel's avatar

Sending hugs! It is not easy being a caregiver, even when you're not doing the medical part. Advocating for the medical is hard enough, without adding everything else in. I hope that he's able to get a diagnosis and the care he needs.

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

We made some progress today.

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Victoria's avatar

Sending hugs, strength and prayers to you Dawn. You've probably already heard of these but just in case - Ensure or Fortisips or Nutrica are 'fortified' drinks - they are dense, but made to support nutrition when appetite is waning. Just a thought in case it helps. You can only do your best. Hospitalisations are the worst. Contrary to what a lot of people think - it's not a restful time for family/caregivers! Hugs

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

Yes, at home he had high calorie Boost shakes. The hospital has some institutional brand that does the same thing.

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Stephanie Weaver's avatar

Oh this advocacy with an elder is SO EXHAUSTING. I am so glad you are able to be there with him and also please do take care of yourself.

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

I'm glad I have the ability to pack up and travel here. Today's self-care is stuffing my face in my hotel room while wearing my pajamas then going to bed early. I'm still not recovered from the time change.

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Mona Mehas's avatar

On top of everything you said, society tends to want to toss old people aside. I'm finding that out. We are spent, lived our life. Now we're done. I'm glad you're there to help prevent that.

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

I went through that when my grandmother was sick 25 years ago.

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frank leon's avatar

Be strong, sending you good vibes and big hugs

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

Thank you.

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Char Wilkins's avatar

The task at hand is to bear the unbearable and this you are doing. I remember it well. Wishing you ease of being as you traverse the unknowable.

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

Thank you.

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Optimistic's avatar

Dear Dawn I wish you all the best. The road you are on is long and lonely…I know very well after taking care of both of my parents. You’re a good daughter and your dad depends on you. Do your best to keep yourself healthy and try to take moments for yourself. It’s hard I know. The best to your dad, I’m sorry that our government has made the situation so much worse.

It’s disgraceful. Will say a prayer for you both. Stay strong 💪🏻🙏🏻❤️

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

Thank you. My hotel room is my sanctuary right now.

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Cindy Eastman's avatar

Oh, wow...this takes me right back. I SO feel for you and can only wish you rest and patience and strength. The "failure to thrive" thing drives me crazy! When my mom was in rehab care, the meals they served her were quadruple the serving sizes she was used to. Putting a slab of meatloaf in front of her almost literally made her sick, so she'd push it away. Which immediately labeled her as "not eating." If I was with her, I could make a smaller plate for her, which she would pick at (as was her habit) and ditch the rest. When I wasn't there, the piles of food they served her were unappetizing and often went uneaten. I was shocked that the care staff didn't seem to understand that. Nope--"failure to thrive." Argh!

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Dawn Levitt's avatar

He's a picky eater, and hospital food is bland. Not a good combination.

It's difficult when we can't be there for them.

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