 I went thru this myself
Lou:
Three years ago, I went thru this myself. Here are a few things that I learned that may be of help to you:
1. If at all possible, find you a good geriatric psychiatrist in Florida, who can make sure your mom is taking the right combination of meds. Believe me sometimes we had to change my mom's medications several times in a six month period, before we found the right combo for her.
2. Talk to someone in social services or the nurses station where your mom is staying and build a good rapport with them, so anytime night or day you are thinking about your mom or worried, you can pick up the phone and call.
3. Know that you are doing the very best that you can and be at peace with yourself at that.
4. check around in your own city for any organization, groups, hospital, or church for like people in the same situation, you will be surprised at the help and understanding that you will find.
5. you are not alone in the boat. It's going to take a little research, but there are great people that are more than willilng to help you and your mom.
6. At last and most important, and this is an absolute must...take some time every day for just Lou. Do something just for yourself.
I was in the same situation, as I had no one to help me with my mom and it was overwhelming at times, but thru prayer and help from the right people you will get through this.. If you every want to talk just PM and I will give you my e-mail address.
My heart and prayers are with you...It's like dealing with two deaths...one of their personality and the last one their body...You prepare yourself mentally for their death, but you can never prepare your heart...
Lynn |