I’m trying to decide whether or not to go home…

I’ve been visiting with the folks, my brother has been here the last couple of of days, and my youngest sister and niece live with them. We had a good time until this past evening.
Mom took a fall in the middle of the night and an ambulance was called. I just spoke with the ER doctor—she broke her nose ! Painful, but he says she will heal.
He says otherwise, they ran several tests and physically she’s healthy…why is she so confused ? Dementia, I told him. Ah, he replied sadly. They’ll be releasing her soon. I needed to leave today because of my own doctor appts this week, but felt guilty.
Still, she will be in very good hands when she returns.
This is the most difficult time the family has faced. 😞

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

REMsleep · 41-45, F

Sadly every person in my family gets Alzheimers and Dementia if they live long enough. I've seen all the older people in my family spend their last 10-15 healthy years caring for those older than them with dementia and I helped with my grandma until she passed 4 years ago and now my mom has my grandma's sister full time. Its breaking my mom. Sometimes my great Aunt is so violent and the next moment crying about someone who died 15 years ago as though it just happened today or stripping her clothes off.
I understand the guilt, the tiredness, helplessness and sadness.
I will keep your family in my prayers.

bijouxbroussard · F

@REMsleep I’m so sorry that you’ve had these experiences, too. My mother has still not been diagnosed with anything beyond "dementia", but last night was the worst it’s been. She is 89, but my father is 90 and and her father lived to be 95, neither losing their faculties. I would never have guessed that this would happen to her. Before this incident she still had lucid days and on Monday we sat and listened to classical music and she spoke about pieces she had played and performances. She remembered pieces I played, and some duets we had performed together. She was really there with me, and then the next day she wasn’t sure who I was. 😞

REMsleep · 41-45, F

@bijouxbroussard Its a hard disease but its even harder on the caretakers honestly. Just try to support her as you can but don't feel guilty about needing to live your life and take care of yourself too.
Know that it is a progressive illness but she is still there.❤