Taking care of an elderly loved one

I have had much experience with taking care of an elderly person. First with my grandma and now with my mom. There is so much involved in taking care of an elderly person, because they depend on you.First and foremost is you have to be a selfless person,very loving, and giving of your time.You can't think of yourself and what is best for you. You must always keep their needs at the top of your list.You have to make sure that they take their medicine when they are supposed to. Cook them hot meals 3 times a day.If they aren't able to bathe themselvesthen you have to bathe them and wash their hair everyday,sometimes bathe them more than once a day if need be.Take them to their dr.'s appointments. Make sure they are gefortable, not too hot, or too cold.And like in the case of my mom you have to puree' their food and thicken their drinks, cause they can't eat otherwise.There is alot of emotional strains involved and alot in your own life you have to give up. It takes alot of patience and agood heart to take care of an elderly loved one. There are so many rewards as well in taking care of an elderly person, especially a loved one,because you know what kind of care they get. Also you get a rewarding smile from time to time from them, because they know that you love them and care enough to give your all to them.If you ever start feeling discouraged all you have to do is remember they gave you the best care they could when you were small and couldn't take care of yourself, and gave up so much so youwould have the best. They never once geplained....so now it is your turn to give the same love and respect back tothem.Hope everyone enjoys this little tidbit of information and I hope it will help anyone whom may ever have to take care of an elderly loved one.