My 95 year old dad died of alzheimers 9 months ago. My mother who is 96 and at the time of his death was strong and healthy except for being legally blind. I thought after my dad passed away we would travel and get out of the house and be able to enjoy life again. She went into a major depression and it was obvious after 64 years of marriage, she was lost without her husband. She was hospitalized in November with an ulcerated esophogus. She was so weak they suggested putting her in a rest home. I told them that was not an option and had an ambulance bring her home. She is back to being a strong and healthy woman. She is back to eating and walking around with her walker. However, now she moans all the time. The only time she doesn't moan is when someone is talking to her. She used to listen to music or books on tape and her moaning would be quieter, but now she moans all the time and especially at night...all night! I have been sleeping with her since my dad died because she doesn't like to be alone. I miss sleeping upstairs with my husband and I miss sleeping! I tried the baby monitor but it keeps everyone awake instead of just me. I am tired, but I want to do what is best for my mom. I love taking care of her and feel this is exactly what I need to be doing right now in my life. I am a 51 year old mother of 5 with 3 children still at home. Any advice would be welcomed!
Does she have any pain? Could she have had a small TIA or a uniary tract infection? I am not a doctor, but when my mother developed a dilirium she started to do strange things including being afraid of the dark. She moaned too, but there was usually some pain or fear associated with it. Maybe she is still missing your father and she is moaning instead of crying. Does she talk about things? I know how difficult what you are going through is. I wish I could be of more help other than trying to let you know it is the hardest thing to watch the decline of someone you love and not be able to do anything but continue to love them, unconditionally. I know it is difficult to do, but you have to try and get some rest so your health does not fail. The years of lack of sleep and stress take its toll, silently, and only surface when the stress is gone.