Hello My name is Harriet | Caregiver Action Network

Harriet M.

Name: 
Harriet M. Epstein
Location: 
Vienna
Caregiver Relationship: 
Parent
Living Arrangements: 
Other
Primary Illness: 
Frail/Elderly

My name is Harriet. I am retired after a 20-year career in the aging field including 16 years at an Area Agency on Aging. I am 64 years old and the primary caregiver for my 92 year old mother, Lily, who lives alone in her single family home. My mother is remarkable for her age, keen of mind, and able to do entirely for herself until recently when her vision worsened causing her to give up driving and rely on family and neighbors to meet her needs. Over the years her feet have turned outward, making it difficult for her to walk without some support from a person or her shopping cart. I take her to most of her doctor appointments, at very scattered because of the way her HMO is structured, and shop with her about once every two weeks. She is a picky shopper, so this is no picnic. I am concerned about her safety when she is home alone. Mom's favorite words are "no" and "I'll know when the time comes to...