I have a very small family. My sister-in-law is in a nursing home with dementia. My niece has POA concerning her mom of which I have never seen or what it constitutes. Our family consists of my niece, her three daughters, and myself and my two daughters. My niece has axed me and my daughters from calling my sister-in-law as a revenge ploy. We had differences of opinions after my brother died February 11th, 2024 and what needed to be done about her mom. The nursing home told my niece that my sister-in-law was trying to flee the facility and told her to take her cell phone and to refrain from calling her or seeing her. I felt it was the facility's responsibility to keep her from fleeing to which they finally put a wrist band on her.
In retaliation, she has banned myself and my two daughters from calling my sister-in-law. Help! I live in Texas. I can't afford a monthly visit to see her. We can visit her, but no phone calls allowed. This is just crazy to me. What do I do to end this situation? My niece has POA and has instructed the facility that she's the only one that can talk to her via the telephone.
This has been heartbreaking for me, and I have cried many tears over it. Before my brother passed away, he and my sister-in-law and I talked on the phone two or more times a week.
Please guide me how to rectify this problem.
I don't think your being banned or retaliated against since u say u can visit. Your SIL may be worse than thought because your brother covered up certain things or did things for her. His death may have hastened her decline. Same with the NH, new surroundings and no husband. She cannot understand what is happening. Few Dementia patients have phones in a NH. My Mom didn't have one. She had no idea how to use it. Even if ur SIL is capable to use one, there would have come a time she would forget how to use it. I think the NH has made suggestions and your daughter is taking them.
Its just 2 months since ur brother died. Not that long for anyone to adjust to a NH especially a person suffering from a Dementia. Or the family caring for her. U are going to havevto except that ur SIL can no longer talk on the phone. Its what it is.
Your niece also lost a father and now trying to help her mom. She needs support, not more aggravation.
Send her a card with a sencer apology. And hopefully when the fog of grieving lightens up things will get better.
Best of luck
My belief is one hall pass, up to 6 months after a death, needs to be forgotten and let go. Because no one is in there right mind
That's just my policy. Might not be others but it is mine.
My condolences on the loss of your brother.
There is unfortunately only ONE WAY to rectify this situation.
Your Niece is the POA and the Lioness at the Gate.
In order to go through that gate you must befriend the Lioness.
I can't know how much water is under the bridge, but having interferred in her decisions for her Mom has caused great distrust. It may not be remedied, but I would try.
IF your sister-in-law does know who you are, does enjoy your calls, then it is worth trying to remedy this.
If it were me I would call or write the following to your niece:
Dear ___________:
First, let me apologize for the pain I have given you by interfering in your care and care choices for your Mom. It simply wasn't my place to do so. If I could take it all back, and simply support you in the heart-wrenching decisions you had to make without good support I would do so in a second.
I can't take it back. I can only apologize, and that I do with all my heart.
I miss your Mom. I loved her so. I treasured our talks and our being able to reach out to one another and I feel so cut off from her. I know there is nothing I can do about that, but I beg you to reconsider letting me reach out to contact her.
Please think on this all the time you wish to take. I would do anything including being on speaker phone when you are WITH your mom. I will never bring up and dissention. I will support you and your decisions for you loved mom.
If you cannot let me do this I must understand the best I can and take responsibility for the actions that put me in this place. I will send cards and I will save and find a way to visit in person even if accompanied by you if you wish it to be so.
My love out to you. I am a long way away. If I can support you in some way I am able to do ask me. Love from your aunt.
That doesn't work? Then nothing will. Send cards. Save for a visit. I am sorry.