Two toddlers and a wheelchair

More than once during this elder care adventure I’ve been reminded of my childcaring years. There’s not a whole lot of difference on some days.

Yesterday, I asked Mom if she wanted to spend the day in her apartment rather than next door in her room at the skilled nursing facility. She gladly accepted the invitation. So we formed a parade – Mom in her wheelchair with me pushing, followed by Dad and his walker. Through lots of practice, we’ve learned how to get the parade through doors and into elevators.

Once in the apartment, Mom and Dad both took naps and I took a break (Remember how wonderful it was when both kids took naps at the same time?). Then, Mom wanted to get up and explore. Thanks to all the physical therapy she’s had over the past few weeks, she can balance and walk without help. Her stamina isn’t great, however, and I worry that she will simply wear out and crumble to the floor. So, like a nervous mother, I follow my little toddler everywhere.

Mom is still on a puree diet because she has not yet learned to align her remaining teeth to chew her food. Yet, she is tempted by all sorts of crunchy foods. As she stands at the pantry door, pulling down boxes of crackers and cookies, I’m right behind her, “Now, Mom, you know you can’t chew that…” (again reminiscent of my kids getting into things forbidden).

Meanwhile, Dad is shuffling around trying not to stumble over the wheelchair and walker that take up most of the free space in the tiny apartment. He needs to use the bathroom and I must leave the other toddler unattended to help him. When I return to the living room, I find Mom stuffing chocolate candy in her mouth. Seeing me, she quickly hides a piece in her fist where it melts into a gooey mess.

I guess this is the predictable cycle – children, then parents acting like children, and then grandchildren – ensuring you never lose your skills for hovering, guarding, warning, and then cleaning up messes.

Sue