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Partin Asked September 2014

My Mama is in an assisted living home and I'm having a hard time. Any advice?

She wants to go home took her home and couldn't handly her. she fell and broke her hip. She was sent to rehab but it didn't help. Her grandson took most of her money and I am trying to get her help so she can stay at the home. I am an only child my brother passed away about 11 years age and he had to children that has drained my mama account dry. Trying to get VA assist because her second husband was in world war ll. I just need someone to talk to I have no one. so if you could find me a support group would be so thankful

cindycox Sep 2014
sorry to hear your mom is in the hospital....Take this time to take care of yourself..Your mom is being well taken care of....

Partin Sep 2014
Thanks for all the advise . Mama had to go to the hospital last night because she was having chest pains. My cousin came and went with me so if she started her hollowing, but she was quiet and nice to be around. I told her if she would be nice to me I would come and walk with her so she would get stronger and be able to help herself do more things. So keep praying things will go well with her. An again thanks for the prayers.

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cindycox Sep 2014
The best place for your mom is in a facility..I have been taking care of my mom by myself.nI have a boyfriend who does what he can, but he admits he isnt a caregivet..he is moral support..It isva 24/7 job..She is basically bedridden..Lung cancer and she broke her hip a little over a month ago..Yesterday I was transferring her. from a chair to her bed, that wasn't even a foot away..We both about hit the floor..I fell on the bed which saved us...Luke you my only sibling passed away..I am in the procesd of looking for a nh now..I admit I can't do it and we will both be better off if she is in a nh..I can visit her and spend quality time with her instead of being so exhausted I don't spend anytime with her...And be selfish think of yourself..YOU MATTER..I worry about getting the flu or something like that..than who will take care of her...Have a good day all..all we can do is what we can do..comes a time we can't do it anymore don't feel bad we r human..my husbandbpassed away 2 years ago from lung cancer andbI relive that taking care of mom now..but its ok..I do the bestbI can...so do all of you..its a tough road we r traveling..

jeannegibbs Sep 2014
Ask about support groups for caregivers at hospitals in your area; at the Alzheimer's organization in your state, at the clinic she goes to, and at the care center. SOMEBODY will be able to direct you to a meeting time and place. Having someone to talk to can make a world of difference!

Another way to have somebody to talk to is the see a counselor for a few sessions. This seems appropriate in light of what has apparently been a somewhat dysfunctional family situation for you.

And, of course, come and talk to us as often as you want.

Countrymouse Sep 2014
Partin, you say: "I just need someone to talk to I have no one."

And I think that's the point, isn't it. You're desperately worried about your mother, and you want to help her, but what can you do? And then there's another question: why should you do anything?

This is an exercise in focusing on where to go from here. Imagine that you didn't exist. What would happen to your mother? Well, what would happen is that teams of paid professionals would see to it that she was housed safely and in reasonable comfort, and that whatever assets and/or income she has are used to pay for her care. That's not so bad, is it?

Now then. Because you are there, you are trying to *do* things for her. This could be where you're going wrong, you know. Because if she favoured your brother and his family over you all his life, to the extent that her grandchildren asset-stripped her; and since she remarried and thereby attached herself to a different family; then these things speak powerfully for her belief that she didn't need you. Which is hurtful, but is also an important factor that you need to take into account.

No one, not even your mother, can serially reject a person and then expect that person to devote her waking hours to her care. You involve yourself with your mother because you love her, not because she needs you. You are therefore free to start marking out those all-important boundaries. Go to see her when it suits you, and not if it doesn't. If she is disagreeable, leave: you ought not to tolerate abuse or rudeness from her any more than you would from anyone else. Put your own family and yourself first, because they do need you and they need you to be well. These are initial thoughts - to sum up, worry less about your mother who has spent her life not needing you, and more about your family who love you and do need you.

Rereading quickly, I realise that what I've said will sound harsh, glib or both. Let me start again with a big hug. It is very hard not to feel love and acceptance from one's mother. Rereading what you've posted, I'm very sad to think how you must feel. But there, the fault is hers. It is Not Your Fault that your family dynamics fell out as they did. And actually, it isn't necessarily your mother's fault, either - this is a matter of understanding, not blaming. The important thing to grasp is that her feelings are what they are, and you can do nothing to make a change happen. Her feelings might change, but it won't be because you find the "right" answers or do the "right" things. I'm afraid that you are trying so hard because you're falling into that trap of believing that if only you can get this right your mother will become the mother you would love her to be. It doesn't work like that. Instead, accept that you do love her, whatever she thinks or says or does, and express that in ways that you can fit easily into your real life, with your own family. God bless you. Big hug.

sunflo2 Sep 2014
Suggest you get her back into care unit. Make appt with director and let them help you get her back in and help you with applying for financial assistance. Then take a break for awhile while she gets settled and you get some rest. Limit your calls to a few times a week. Send cards in lieu of visits while she reacclimates to her new residence.

You are a good person and it is okay that she gets the skilled care she needs, care skills you may not have to meet her needs. It's okay.

It's hard when she takes her frustrations out on you and wants you to care for her at home, don't take it personally --they always lash out at the ones they are closest to because they can. They hate loss of control over their life and aches and pains and having to depend on others. Take it one day at a time.

BarbBrooklyn Sep 2014
Part in, it sounds like you need to look after yourself and let the VS or the county look after your loved one. Visit, advocate for her, but understand that it's the dementia that is looking to go home, to a time and place that no longer exist.

MaggieMarshall Sep 2014
Stay away from your mom until she stops yelling. On top of all of your other troubles, you don't need to listen to it, frankly. And I'm betting she's not herself, so don't take it toooo personally.

Does the assisted living facility have a social worker on staff? Or one that comes in occcasionally? I think that's what you need. If it were me (and I'm not an expert on this), I would call my county senior services office, tell them mom's money is running out, that she's in assisted living and can't afford it much longer, AND!!! that I can't take care of her at home because of serious on-going health issues. They'll point you in the right direction lickety-split.

Good luck.

blannie Sep 2014
Partin here's the nearest support group I could find: The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group, for those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at 2 p.m., at Life St. Joseph of the Pines at 4900 Raeford Road. For more information, please call Sam Hutchinson at (910) 615-1633.

Partin Sep 2014
Thanks, but when I go to see her she hollers at me and tell me that she know where my place is at and it is not with her. I have taken care of her since her last husband passed. But my brother was her life and his two children as for my children she has never made anything of them. but they go to see her and try to tell her that I am doing everything I can for her. I am a bad diabetic and at times I can hardly make my self go and look after my family.

Partin Sep 2014
Thanks, but when I go to see her she hollers at me and tell me that she know where my place is at and it is not with her. I have taken care of her since her last husband passed. But my brother was her life and his two children as for my children she has never made anything of them. but they go to see her and try to tell her that I am doing everything I can for her. I am a bad diabetic and at times I can hardly make my self go and look after my family.

pamstegma Sep 2014
Admit you cannot handle her and get her back to Assisted Living, apply for the VA Aid and Attendance with help from a benefits consultant (free). NEVER take them back home. It doesn't work, you know that now.

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