About 2 months ago mom couldn't walk but had no other symptoms. I called an ambulance and she had pneumonia and blood clots that traveled from her leg to her lungs.
She came home 5 days later and she was placed on hospice care. She got a hospital bed and a Hoyer lift (which was of no use to her due to her thin skin).
Over a year ago I hired an aide to come in Monday thru Friday to help me and she has been a blessing.
Mom isn't eating much (some days she does swallow a scrambled egg) and drinks juice (Pedialyte). At night she drinks soup I made.
She has to be moved in her bed to prevent bed sores which is not easy for me to do alone even though she's thin.
So it's a matter of time. I'm very sad. I took care of her for 12 years and she was very easy to take care of. I don't regret any of it.
You have been a blessing to her and everyone here that has heard your story.
May you find peace, comfort and joy now and for your future. (((HUGS)))
I'm sure you don't feel lucky, right now, as I'm sure you were not expecting someone to say that.
But, you are truly blessed to of had such a beautiful relationship with your mother.
I'm very touched by your post. And I'm very sorry, that you have to go through this horrible time and that your mom is leaving you. 🙏😥
As far as moving mom in bed to prevent bed sores goes, you only have to move her a quarter turn every 2 hours. Not much, in other words. Waffle boots to protect her heels are a great idea too.
I pray that God gives you strength and endurance to bear this caregiving journey that lies ahead. And that moms transition is peaceful and comfortable.
Sending you love and empathy, my friend. One day at a time.
To roll her to one side or the other gather the sheet at her shoulder and hip and then walk to the other side of the bed and take the gathered sheet and bring it all towards you so you are not applying any direct pressure on her skin it is all on the sheet and roll her. (Kinda like you would roll a cinnamon roll. If that makes sense) Stop when she is on her side. Now place pillows at her back and around her legs to cushion her.
You seem like you are doing an awesome job keeping mom comfortable.
I am sure mom appreciates all that you and her caregiver do.
((hugs))
But I am so glad you have no regrets, too many caregivers at EOL have so many unnecessary regrets, guilt, doubts and hopes that they can in any ways prevent the unavoidable.
Not many folks on here are as fortunate, and only wish they could say that about caring for their parent.
You've obviously done a good job, and I pray that these last few weeks or months will not be difficult for either of you. Just make sure that you leave nothing left unsaid.
May the Lord bless and keep you both.
I believe her dementia causes her not to feel hunger or thirst. Those feelings don't connect with her brain cells.
When I hand her an adult sippy cup filled with either juice or soup she gulps it down. I did discuss this with the hospice people and they didn't say not to.
Thanks again!
My chaplain doesn’t push God or anything. He’s there to get me through the grief process. My 13 months are up Sept 4. We actually have had bimonthly appointments.
i would at least try this.
Of course you are sad. I don't think anyone would expect otherwise.
Now you need to be kind to yourself.
Ignore all those that try to rush you to "get over this".
You grieve in your own time, your own way.
Take time for you to take care of yourself.
((hugs))
You did a fabulous job caring for your mom, and now I'm sure she would want you to start taking better care of yourself.
So you can honor your mom by doing just that.
God bless you.
(((((HUGS)))))
Sending you a big hug and a prayer for peace.
Mom is at rest. Wishing you all the best and many happy memories. 💐