Mother (72) is in End Stage Pulmonary Fibrosis. She can't do much due to disease. So she's scared to get out thinking her oxygen machine will go out so she stays on couch & dwells on her dying. She cries all day & is so depressed. Don't know what to do.
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I've tried to talk her into taking some sort of medication for anxiety but she said absolutely not on any medcation for it. And she does have a portable oxygen machine so she can get out of house but she's always petrified the battery will run out so really only time she'll use & get out is for doc appointment's.
I'm going next week for a visit & she's finally agreed to let us interview caregivers from agencies for home care so she's givin in little by little.
Hopefully she'll let the care coordinator let her get some sort of therapy for her anxiety
She did have a battery operated concentrator for going out which also had an car adapter for charging the battery. Even when we were gone for hours to the doctor, the battery always lasted.
When we went to the pulmonologist, we turned off her machine and plugged the canula into his concentrator. Good thing since it took forever for him to get into the exam room!!
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If she was a church goer, ask if there are "visitors" that can give her communion. They also visit. Also, request her minister to visit.
Its not fair to Mom that she is having this anxiety. It is not helping her problem.
I can't imagine being at the end of your life at 72, she must be very sad that it is over so soon.
Hospice has counseling available to patients and families to help them get through this difficult time. Continue the social worker that helps her and get it scheduled, they also offer clergy that can be a help to prepare for passing.
I hope she finds a way to get some enjoyment in her last days.