Stories from Caregivers: Leisa from NEVADA
NV
Leisa
FROM NEVADA
Hello, my name is Leisa. I am a caregiver for my mother Vivian who is 92, and our 20 year old grandson, Larry, who has Asperger's. We have been taking care of our grandson for 15 years. He has graduated high school, but being in a rural community, jobs are scarce for his skill level. Currently we are teaching him money handling and work related social skills. Adaptation is our mantra! My mom adopted me when I was 3 and now I'm proud to be taking care of her in her golden years. She has been with us for about 4 years now. Our biggest concern for her is falling again. She has osteoporosis extremely bad and she's very unsteady on her feet. We make her meals, help her shower, wash her clothes, etc. It would be helpful if we had a visiting nurse for her. As she hasn't been out of the house in months. She's too afraid of falling! The most rewarding part of taking care of mom is at bedtime. Every night I say "Goodnight momma, I love you, see you in the morning." She says "I love you, thank you for everything, I'll see you in the morning." I know I'll always see her in the morning, even though one of these mornings she may not see me back.
