What is Caring-For-Aging-Parents

Elderly care or simply eldercare is the fulfillment of the special needs and requirements that are unique to senior citizens. This broad term encompasses such services as assisted ...

Join Now

Free, anonymous support from people just like you.

We're on Facebook!
Check out our page!
DS Store is Open
DS t-shirts and more
Advertisement
Discussion:
Mom
Watch this 
View More Posts Ignore
The past week has been a nightmare for my family....we had to admit mom into the hospital for psyche evaluation. She's in the moderate stages of dementia, and her independent living is now a thing of the past. Within the past year, it seems that mom has aged 10 years because she's so frail in her appearance. As a result of being hospitalized and on meds, her mood is calmer and subdued.

We want her to spend the rest of her life being content, and well cared for in an environment which will enable her independence along with 24 hour supervision. We feel that mom would thrive best in an assisted living facility which offers social, fitness, and recreational activities. However, we've been informed that after she's released from the hospital....it may be necessary to place her temporarily into a nursing home. Of course, we're hoping this won't be necessary. We're still working through all the "red tape" to make sure that everything falls into place. But sometimes it seems that our efforts are not good enough, and that the outcome will be bleak no matter what.

Sabrina
Posted on 10/30/09, 11:10 pm
4 Replies Add Your Reply
Reminder: This is a support group for Caring For Aging Parents. We trust you will do your best to remain positive and helpful. For more information, see our rules of the road.

You may also create your own Member Groups where you can moderate the discussion.
Comment:
Email me when others reply to this topic help
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #1 - 10/31/09  8:32am
" If she's in the moderate stages of dementia and has become frail, it may be best for her to be in a living situation where virtually all of her needs are taken care of.

When my mother lived with us she was in the beginning-moderate stage, and she was still able to make her own breakfast, clean up after herself, etc. But it was stunning how soon she began leaving pots on the stove to boil dry, etc. Fortunately, I worked at home, so I was able to take care of her round the clock. But over the next years she became too much even for my husband and me to handle.

Alzheimer's usually takes about 10 years from the very beginning to the end, and my mother and my husband's aunt were perfect examples of this (as was President Reagan). So depending upon how many years your mom has had dementia, you can figure that the last five will be the most difficult. "
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #2 - 10/31/09  5:01pm
" Hi Sara,

It's very sad that mom can no longer continue her independence, but our family had to take on the necessary steps to find an appropriate placement for her. With any luck...this transition will go smoother now that she's on meds.

Thanks so much for your response. *Hugs*

Sabrina "
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #3 - 11/03/09  12:28pm
" It's sad that dementia takes such a long time to take a person's life. The suffering for everyone involved is prolonged torture. It is better for all of you that your mother be in a facility, but it will be expensive. Unfortunately, the future is bleak and whatever you do won't make your mother's life any easier. She is going through hell. "
View More Posts Ignore
Reply #4 - 11/04/09  5:47pm
" Hi mugsini....although mom has dementia, my family and I are grateful that she does enjoy some quality of life. Thank God, we still have her in our lives.

Thanks for the feedback. *Hugs*

Sabrina "

Add Your Reply
Advertisement

Advertisement
Content on DailyStrength.org is for informational purposes only. We do not provide any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. More info
Portions of support group and treatment information provided by Wikipedia under the GNU FDL license
Copyright 2006-2009, DailyStrength, Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Report Abuse | HSW International | HSW China | HSW Brazil