I'm a stay at home mom to a 2 year old boy, currently pregnant again. My husband works 6 days a week 12 hour shifts. I take care of my 72 year old mother, who has COPD, memory loss and is very irritable. I also take care of my 92 year old grandmother, who has crippling arthritis, dementia and is in the 4th stage of renal failure. Currently, both grandma and mom live in a house together. We take care of all meals, grocery shopping, doctor appointments, bank runs, bills..etc. We've been looking for a home that would be big enough to have everyone together. Some days I think this would be easier on me, other days I think it will drive me insane! Both my grandmother and mother want just me to take care of them, no one else. Today was doctor appointment day. I have to pack my 2 year old, both of them, drive to the doctor, unload them, my son and go inside. Today I was feeling really ill, so I took them in and left my number for the nurse to call me when they were done. By the time they were finished, my husband was home from midnight shift and volunteered to go pick them up for me. They were fine with that until they got home.. My mother calls to tell me "You should just let me rot here" ... How long does this guilt trip bull crap go on? I do everything for them...even bathe them. Why is it never enough? Will it get worse when/if they move in with us? I swear days like this I just want to say to hell with it all...
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How long does this guilt trip bull crap go on? As long as it works. "You should just let me rot here" "Well, Mother, if that is what you really want I guess I could try it. Does that mean you don't want me to bring your meals tomorrow?"
Start now figuring out how to get some in-home services for Mom and Gram. Meals on Wheels or a similar program can take care of one substantial meal a day. A bath aide can come in once or twice a week to help the ladies get clean. Transportation to the medical appointments can be arranged. Certainly you want these family members to have the best care possible -- but that doesn't mean you have to provide every speck of it personally.
I think I would start by contacting Social Services in their county and ask for a needs assessment. Even if they are not eligible for financial aid, the case worker can explain what services are available and how to contact providers.
Might Gram be eligible for Hospice care?
True, your mother will not like accepting care from someone other than you. Tough! Like everybody else in this world, she can't always have everything she wants. Once you accept that, your life will be much more sane!
And, move them in with you? Oh, I REALLY don't think that is a good idea! See that they get excellent care right where they are. And remember that you do not have to provide all of it!