I wish that more people would update us. We hear the stories and respond and I cannot help but think about so many folks ongoing, wonder how they are doing and where their issues are. Are they doing better? Worse? Have they learned some tricks to share. I would love to see more updates. Someone just wrote one today and I was so happy to see it; felt like a real connection.
Not sure how it would work. But think if someone would type in a few of the original words or thoughts they used when posting, and then the word UPDATE, we would be able to catch up with what is going on.
Sometimes people just need a safe place to vent at a low moment.
Sometimes people are scared away by negative comments, or storm away in anger because nobody agrees with their point of view.
Sometimes people are paranoid that friends and family may see what they've written.
Sometimes people don't want anything more than an answer to a question, they aren't interested in an online relationship.
Sure it's nice to hear some feedback, as many have pointed out we do learn from each other, but it's not something I expect.
I think we an all learn from what we post and if the suggestions were implemented, but have no way of knowing that if posters don't follow up. This has been the situation for years.
In the past here we had a lot of "drive-by" questions with the original writer never to return, or as we would say "have left the building". Maybe issues with mastering the websites and not remembering what website they were on, and not seeing their question because it had rolled over to page 10 within a day or two. Today's new group are more tech savvy.
I tend to stay on even though my folks had passed a couple years ago [feels like yesterday] as it is just the researcher in me to pass on what worked well in my parents case. Plus, seeing misinformation being passed around that I want to shed the correct light upon. I have noticed a drop in participants asking how can they be paid to be family caregivers. It use to be like every other day that question was asked.
I am so happy to be surrounded by original writers who have been here for years and prior to me jumping into the deep end of the pool. This website is a valuable resource :)
I stay on the forum now, because of the friendships that I have made, and keeping up on their lives and ongoing trials, plus I still learn an awful lot and like to keep abreast of where elder care concerns are going forward, as I am one of 6 "middle aged" kids and we are all getting older too, Yikes!
We are all facing getting older and the struggles that go along with it, and will continue to support each other as we deal with these issues, and at any given point, I know that there will be times where I will need to rely on the support system here to get me through some rough patches.
We are never too old to learn, and I so appreciate the very knowledgeable folks here on the AC, so I especially hope that the old timers stick around!
As for me, my husband and I just recently downsized and sold our family home, bought a Mobile Home in a 55 and older community and we are happy as clams! We are enjoying meeting our new neighbors, and we have an active community center and pool right here in the park, and everybody has been so welcoming, its been great!
We thought of buying a Condo, but going this route gives my husband a little yard to putter in, and the carport will hold 3 cars deep, so he can keep his sports car, which would have been difficult in condo living.
Life took some getting used to following the death of our last parent, as we had been caregiving for so many years, and it is only just recently that it feels like our life our own, the grieving process and changes that have taken place these past 18 months have been so very challenging, all while getting our lives settled, we finally feel we can breathe again and focus on what we want to do and not having to worry about someone else, it's still feels strange, but life goes on and it does get better, I Promise!
You may be new, but I've already noticed and appreciated your contributions, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that.
I too used to be a lot more active on this forum, but my mother died about a year ago, and my caregiving years have ended. I do still participate from time to time, realizing that there are many that are still struggling with the same issues I once faced, and I may be able to contribute something helpful. I am always grateful when people (I'm thinking in particular of freqflyer) stay around after their elderly loved ones pass on, so I do that too.
I too wish people would keep us in the loop after we've expended time and emotional energy involving ourselves in their stories, but oh well. It is what is is.
I have gotten so much support and information here, I'm not sure what I will do when my LO passes away. It's difficult to imagine. I think this site may be the best around.