Recently, I traveled to Florida to celebrate my Mom's 91st Birthday. While there, my almost 94 year old dad was dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and trying to navigate walking with a cane. He was simultaneously fretting about taking a driving test and wanted me to teach him how to make a k-turn.
In these first few moments there, I realized that I had, now, taken on the role of parent and I was treating them as if they were my children. I can remember my dad teaching me how to drive and now here I was teaching him. As your parents age, we experience many concerns. We want them to be safe in their homes so we install grab bars in the shower and by the toilets. We remove area rugs. We invest in lights for their tables and desks. We purchase groceries and water so they are well fed and stay hydrated. We try to teach them how to use computers and smart phones so they will stay connected with us. We buy medic alert necklaces so someone will come if they fall. And we buy them special sweet treats because we like to see them smile.
We all fiercely cherish our independence: it doesn't matter if we're 12, 17, 30, 70, or 90. So, when people attempt to give guidance, it is very often met with defiance, anger, resistance and deaf ears(literally!). But, we also have to understand that the people trying to help and guide you (whatever your age), love you to the end of the earth, and just want to keep you healthy and safe from any harm.
In the past several months, I have found the following help for my Florida parents-now if they would only use it!
DELIVERY of Groceries, Prescriptions, and Whatever is needed:
Instacart-Put app on phones. Publix, Target, Whole Foods, Costco, CVS, Petco, Total Wine and others will deliver. They must be able to order from a smartphone or a computer.
Shipt-another app for your phone which delivers from many of the same stores. Again, the person must be able to use a computer or smart phone.
INSTALLATION of Grabbars, adhesive strips, and general "senior proofing" a home to avoid falls:
Atlantic HealthCare Products-located in Boynton Beach or West Palm Beach. 561-964-6767.
Mr. GrabBar 1-888-674-7222.
DRIVERS to run errands, go to the beauty parlor, transport to and from doctor appointments.
Uber-of course! But yet again, you need to be able to use a smart phone or a computer.
Gogograndparent-24/7 customer service. HURRAY-you don't need a smart phone. Any phone will do! Call them and they will take you anywhere at anytime.
HEARING DEVICES to make television watching easier:
Sennheiser, Sony, and many others make wireless and bluetooth devices to clarify and enhance the sound of television. The better ones are $300-$400. Go to Best Buy and pick their brains. Then order them on Amazon! However, you can pay Best Buy to hook up the system, which may be necessary.
OK-Now for the nirvana that gets me through my sleepless nights (because I am up worrying about my Mom and Dad)! Thank Goodness for HBO, Showtime, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. They are my Xanax....
Some of these I like and some I don't.
The Versace Assasination-FX American Crime Story. Very difficult to watch. A ton of violence. Don't recommend.
You're the Worst-FXX or HULU. Not a typical romcom. Two "farbissina" (angry or bitter in Yiddish) start a relationship. Funny, clever, well written and I loved it!
Divorce-HBO. Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church star in this series about their divorce.
Last season was more interesting. I'm bored this season-don't waste your time.
Red Oaks-Amazon. Story is about a NYU college student who works as a tennis instructor at a Jewish Country Club in suburban New Jersey. An amazing cast: Paul Reiser, Jennifer Grey, Richard Kind, and Freddy Roman. I absolutely loved every second! (Full disclosure: a few of my friends couldn't get past the 2nd episode.) Buy I, personally, strongly recommend!
David Letterman Interviews-Netflix. So far Letterman has interviewed President Obama and George Clooney. The interviews are compelling, funny, and mesmerizing. Definitely watch!
Transparent-Amazon.I am currently watching this now. Judith Light is a revelation as Jeffrey Tambor's ex wife, Shelly Pfefferman. To be honest, the main plot about Mort Pfefferman becoming trans isn't so compelling. But Judith Light literally lights up the screen-pure entertainment. Worth watching just for her.
Mozart In the Jungle-Amazon. New York Symphony Maestro retires and young Gael Garcia Bernal replaces him. What conflicts ensue between them is what the story centers on. Watched the first episode and jury is still out. Didn't hold my interest, but maybe it will hold yours.
The Chi-Showtime. Danger, gangs, and life on the South Side of Chicago. I only watched a few episodes and so far, I am not into it.
The Resident-Fox. Another medical show. A rip off of Chicago Med which I like better, Having said that, this held my interest and was an enjoyable distraction.
911-Fox. Examines the lives and careers of first responders: firefighters, police, and paramedics. Again a rip off of Chicago PD and Chicago Fire. I like the cast though: Peter Krause, Connie Britton, and Angela Bassett. Something to watch when looking for some entertainment and you are tired of the Olympics.
Next time movies and food.....Peace out. Oneb
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