Though Mother is still confused, she continues to get stronger and stronger every day. Thanks to an appetite stimulant, she is eating enough calories to negate the need for another feeding tube. And with a new antidepressant, we’re hopeful she will not worry so much about things real or imagined.
Wild animals attacked her one night. Last night she dropped the telephone and worried that she would not be able to get a new one for Dad. She imagines and worries that something is missing from her teeth – a key? A button? And although she has a catheter discretely removing waste from her body, she worries about the lack of privacy when she feels the urge to go.
Now here’s my dilemma: Now that she is about to be released from the rehab hospital to go to another skilled nursing facility, one step closer to home, I imagine she may be worried about not being able to do all the things she used to do – from household accounting to caring for Dad. I could tell her she’ll never have to (be able to) do those things again; Sis and I will handle everything, including eventually putting her and/or Dad into assisted living. But that might worry her even more – BIG CHANGE! So, I am trying to dispense one small dose of reality at a time, all the while cheerleading and reassuring. If she asks me a specific question about the future, I give her a truthful answer, but I don’t offer more than seems necessary. I hope I’m doing the right thing.
Sue
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1 comment:
Sue,
"Are you doing the right thing?"
Let me count the ways!!!
You're doing it Sue's way, which is the common sense, insightful. loving way to do it. Do not doubt yourself for a minute---every parent is different. You have your way to deal with your Dad, and then another way for your Mom. And then, the way to deal with them together. You're doing great!!!! Love, Paula
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