One Dad, One Son: Recent Episodes
One Dad, One Son
As an only child in the UK, no one tells you what to expect when your lone parent suddenly and urgently faces the challenge of old age. But the responsibility of dealing with the role-reversal of being a caregiver for your own Father isn’t all doom and gloom - there are moments of pure hilarity along the way too. This is the story of one Dad and one Son, and the ongoing journey to deal with their shifting relationship. A humorous yet bittersweet tale of change and uncertainty, this is for anyone facing similar caregiving challenges, those who want to know more about what to expect, or people looking for a much ignored yet all-too-real human story. Full of empathy, suggestions and ideas, this podcast aims to remind us all that we are never alone… and that every situation has a funny side.
So what has happened to my Dad since the GP visit back at the end of February, previously discussed in Episode 3a? In this instalment the events of the last 6 weeks are highlighted in the hope that other carers and families will be forewarned, and not have to face the same unnecessary challenges.
At some point with those we're caring for, there has to be a discussion around how their living arrangements may have to change. The two usual choices are independent living or full-time care, but what do these look like in the UK and what are the perceptions? What is the difference between them? This episode presents recent experiences and perspectives on the two, and why even having to make this choice is unfair on so many of our loved ones.
As a carer, being told things on a 'need to know' basis presents all kinds of challenges that can make life even more complicated. Understanding the fundamental advantages of needing to know EVERYTHING - no matter how awkward or uncomfortable - can make the difference between adequate and perfect care to suit the needs of any loved one. This episode presents some examples of what can happen, and how to avoid these situations before they occur.
A short update - out of the usual episode flow - to discuss experiences yesterday in the UK NHS system, which is arguably broken and unable to help my Dad.
When you become a carer to a parent, you realise that sometimes you don't know them at all! Finding out things that you never expected or anticipated can lead to all sorts of questions and emotions. This episode shines a spotlight on the reasons why parents are selective in what they tell you when their health begins to fail, and how reaching an understanding allows us to move forward.
Focussing on the individuality and uniqueness of every carer's experience, this episode sheds some contextual light on past events that impact directly on the story to come. In addition, it reminds us that while decisions are frequently made with an eye on the future, that the past can also inform our choices for those we care about.
In this first introductory episode I will be considering why carers are seemingly anonymous in the UK, focussing on the purpose of the "One Dad, One Son" podcast while also providing context of the human story to come in Episode 2 and beyond.