Age is a real problem. While there is no proper dementia yet, my brother-in-law is becoming a problem. He is 81 and my sister 80. He will not come to visit here in NZ. The last time he was here was when the Christchurch earthquake occurred and he uses that as an excuse. My sister is not keen to leave him for long. He does not take care of himself and especially gets confused with his medicines.
She was here for over 3 weeks in February 2012 then just short of 2 weeks in March 2013. She has not been here since but finally agreed to 10 days starting Nov 25. I have arranged concerts and luncheons. Last Sunday I received an email that she had rushed him to hospiital with a possible heart attack. He was in hospital for nearly 2 days but it was not a heart attack but arythmia. The doctor adjusted his meds.
Now last night I received an email to change her flights as he has a probably tumour behind his eye and will be operated on Thurs December 4, the day she was flying home. I have now paid over $200 for flight changes for her to go home on Tuesday 2nd. I will have to drive her to the airport when I should be leading my hiking group on our Christmas hike. (We do a shortened hike and take foods to share for a picnic lunch and I thought my sister could meet all my friends that day).
The other 2 co-ordinators are meeting here today to plan for next year so we will need to think about what to do. One is already going to be away and the other is going to get a shock if she finds she has to lead on her own. I may change it to an area closer to the airport so I can do both.
I guess he can't help it but I get annoyed. Although he has heart problems he pours salt on all his food. I know he is a homophobe but we tolerate each other for my sister's sake.. He was courting my sister when I was only about 10 or 11. He can be very selfish at times.