I've seen family and friends go through the process of watching aging family members with dementia or Alzheimers. Or perhaps failing health.
I've seen people complain of having to deal with their aging parents. I want to slap them. They are fortunate to have their parents and to be able to assist them. It's a privilege to be able to assist someone who did so much for you.
This is a part of life that you expect though as you become an adult and your parents age. Role reversal - you are now taking care of the ones who took care of you.
I think as a child it's something that you realize. You will probably have to take care of your parents as they age. I also think that most people are more than happy to do so.
Watching your sibling age I think is harder.
You expect your parents to age. You don't expect someone you grew up with to.
This is your partner in crime when you were kids. You were a team for football games. They know your childhood and you know theirs.
We fought each other, we fought for each other and always knew that if anything was needed we could call.
That's what family does. You take care of each other. No questions asked.
You're close in age. If your sibling is aging does that mean you are to? In some ways I believe this is sadder than watching a parent age. I don't know this personally but you expect your parents to age and need you. You don't expect your brother to be almost defeated.
Now before anyone gets the wrong conclusion - No - none of my brothers have dementia nor any major health concerns at this time. It's more a matter of realizing that perhaps it's best to move closer to family for asistance with some activities.
I spent last week with my oldest daughter helping my oldest brother do just that. That was a hard week. We went through personal items and packed and loaded a rental truck in a day and a half. Then my daughter drove that loaded truck cross country pulling my brother's car. We did a lot in a short time frame.
Should it have been done sooner? Possibly, but until he was ready it couldn't be done.
Was it worth it? Yes My brother is happier now than he has been for a while. I no longer worry about him as much as I know he is within 2 hours of family if anything is needed. And another brother and I agree that he sounds so much better and happier. So yes it was worth it.
Would I do it again? Without any hesitation YES - YES - YES Family is family. I will do anything I can for any of my family. Including driving 15 hours one way to take care of you.
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