My mother 83 with trouble walking, getting food to her mouth, incontinence, and dementia is scheduled to have a shunt put in. I pray for improvement as it really is getting to be too much for me. I recently had shoulder surgery and I know helping her in her wheel chair, with the walker, getting in and out of the car are hurting my shoulder. I am the only caregiver as my siblings are out of state. I have been very impatient this last week, tired, need a break its been 24/7 and it is getting harder by the minute!
You need to contact local senior services for assistance during your recovery. Her doctor should be able to recommend a home healthcare group. Please tell the hospital (social worker always visits before releasing senior) that you cannot take care of Mother by yourself right now. You must give yourself time to heal.
Best wishes.
With or without this shunt surgery, I suggest that you start to look into hiring help or placing your mom in a nursing home. You can't completely destroy your own health or you won't be able to help her at all.
Take care of yourself as well as your mom.
Carol