Place to discuss aging parents?

[Margarita]

My mom has been wondering off and on for a while now about finding a message board for support for children dealing with aging parents.

My grandfather had a stroke 6 or 7 years ago. He recovered from it very well, but his whole personality has changed. He's just not the same person anymore. My grandmother has changed, too, although we're not sure why.

Anyway, they live in the same town as my parents, within walking distance, so my mom is the child who has the most contact with them.

So, what I'm wondering is if anyone knows of a board my mom could join and be able to discuss these issues with understanding, non-judgemental people who are in similar situations. You know, someplace like this only focussed on older parents. :) TIA for any help!

[angelrenee]

Let me ask my mom if she goes to any boards. My grandmother is now in a nursing home due to alzheimers and while my grandfather can still get around, he's not anything resembling completely healthy or young. I'll get back to you here if I find anything!

[Lisa]

Margs, Sorry to hear about what your mom is going through. I know what it's like. My sisters and brother have all moved away and I am the only one here to watch after my father. Sometimes it can be so frustrating.
I did find a couple sites. Hope they help.

http://www.seniorparents.net/main/index.html

http://www.aging-parent.com/?p=1

[angelrenee]

Here's my mom's answer to my email. Hope you don't mind me asking her, I just know that she's been with her parents for a looong time and might have some insight.

She might try www.whenourparents.com/forum

I'm sure there are many, many out there; this one has a lot of things like tips.
As to the lack of interesting conversation with the elderly...they tend to lose interest in the outside world of which they no longer are a part of. For instance, Pop might be really interested that you are having a baby, but he isn't interested in the details unless they directly concern him.
Anyway, when grandparents get where, for whatever reason, they can't get out and actively participate in the world - they simply lose interest in that world. It is a natural preparation for the eventuality of death (although it isn't a conscious reaction.) Anyone who is a caretaker tends to get wrapped up in that tiny, tiny world. (This includes mommies of small babies....)
So the message board might help - especially if people give tips on it and don't just have a complaint session about their woes.

[Margarita]

Thanks, Angel and Lisa. I'll send those links to her. I forgot to mention she did some looking on her own, but all she found was Christian sites basically saying "honor thy father and mother". Not that she doesn't honor them, but she needs more help in dealing with them on a daily basis than that.

Angel, I don't mind at all. Any resource is helpful. I just don't have time to search for her myself. What your mom said is very interesting and makes a lot of sense, BUT my grandparents aren't that old yet. They're fully able to get out and about in the world, keep up with current events, do things with friends, etc. They are only in their 70's.