Old Dad is ill with Alzheimer's. Or is terminal with cancer or other life threatening illness. It is a statistical fact that women outlive men in our society. When Mom and Dad live into their 60s and 70s, it is usually old Dad that first becomes ill. The family is raised and has scattered to the four winds.
Mom takes on a new role.
Every week until old Dad leaves this world. To put Dad in a nursing home would too soon exhaust their resources. Health authorities say Dad really is better off in his own home, in a familiar environment. There is help for Mom. Big Sioux Chapter of Alzheimer's Association and Hospice of Siouxland have a program known as Respite Time Out for the Caregiver.