My father has had MS for about
12-14 years we think. It was misdiagnosed for years as some form of arthritis before he found a doctor who put it all together. As you are all aware, I have for years now watched the ebb and flow of the illness and felt powerless. When I was a child my dad ran two miles everyday, did 1000 pushups a week(I counted), and he was thrtty feet tall. To me he towered over the earth and all I ever wanted was to be like him.
He and my mom own and operate an auto business here locally. He to this day still works when he can but his illness seems to be getting worse faster than it has before. His excacerbations look to be getting closer and closer together. The economic downturn has had a drastic effect on business and they have been doing a third of the business they normally do or less. He and I have been talking and it is very possible he may lose the business. he is trying to hold out for things to get better, but even now he is choosing between peronal and business bankruptcy.
If the economy was doing better I would htink he could ride htings out and when things picked up he could bring in temps or new emloyees. But his business flow is so unsteady due to the economy. I work for him on Saturdays or a night or two in the week when he gets busy, but lately it seems we do more on Saturday than he does in a whole week or two.
He has a high school degree but no college. He is truly a self made man. My mom does have a degree from U. of Maryland in Sociology and some credit towards her Master's Degree. They ran the business together to provide a good home environement for me where someone would always be home. My dad right now has no health insurance and I believe he just let go of my mom's too due to finances. Unfortunately I don;t believe they would qaulify for Medicaid because they make too much. but, if the business falls under the economic crisis, then they would. Maybe that;s the silver lining.
My dad has management and business operational experience obviously, but no degree. He has limited computer skills although he learns very quickly. My mom is fairly well versed with a computer and does have her degree. I was thinking a career switcher program into education would be good for her, or even going back into social work and counseling. But waht about dad? What sort of jobs could he look for?
I have felt powerless for so long, and just wanted to at least try to see what is out there for them as far as careers or help, and to see what I can do to help them. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.