What is the best way to handle threats of suicide when I can’t spend every minute with a parent who seems to have separation anxiety?

DalesMom,

I see from the information on your profile several facts about your mom.

"mother Dot, who is 88 years old, living in my home with age-related decline, Alzheimer's / dementia, anxiety, depression, hearing loss, mobility problems, and vision problems."

Is she on depression medicine? Does she take it? If so, then these threats possibly mean that the dose needs to be increased. I'm not sure trying to reason with someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's/dementia is going to get you very far.

What stage is her Alzheimer's/dementia?

I'd go ahead and either call her doctor this morning or call 911.

It sounds like you have a feeling that your parent is saying this as a ploy to stop you from leaving? Tell us a little more about your situation. Is your parent living at home alone or with others? Is there a history of depression, anxiety or personality disorder? Suicidal threats should always be treated as very serious even if you think it is more personality driven. Tell your LO that if they say they are suicidal you HAVE to call a doctor immediately, no if buts or maybes. You cannot continue to care give in the environment of constant suicidal threats. Follow through with calling 9/11.

Threats of suicide should be taken seriously.

As noted by the previous poster, calling 911 and having her transported to the ER is an entirely appropriate response. If you think that it's not necessary, call her doctor and ask what to do.

dial 911 and have them admitted for evaluation and supervision