I am in the UK and we are now being told to stay home but are not on total lockdown yet. I just don't know how I'm going to survive being isolated with my 93 year old mum who lives with me. I've coped with it the past 3 years by going out for a few hours and getting away from her as she has caused me awful depression. But just the thought of having no escape from her and not being able to see friends and my children and grandchildren is just awful. Having my mum live with me has been a huge mistake and has affected my health both mentally and physically and I'm so worried that being with her 24/7 for weeks is going to finish me off!!!! HELP!!! How can I get through this???
Do you have wi-fi and an Ipad or smartphone? There are lots of calming relaxing
music websites, if you can't go outside at times. Sometimes just listening to soothing music during your "me time" may help you get through and bring down the anxiety.
Sending you hugs, "we're all in this together" too.
Say the Lord's Prayer:
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever.
In the name of Jesus thy Son, Amen.
Read the 23 Psalm:
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
2 He lets me rest in green pastures.
He leads me to calm water.
3 He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right
for the good of his name.
4 Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will not be afraid,
because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.
5 You prepare a meal for me
in front of my enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on my head;[a]
you fill my cup to overflowing.
6 Surely your goodness and love will be with me
all my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Sing good songs.
Smile!
Rejoice in the Lord and give Him thanks. It's like counting your blessings. When you look for them you find them, so look for good things, not troubles or fears.
I'm praying for you!
SO- take her there and let her select a room she likes--- as you go-- furnish it when she is at her meals. Just tell her the truth-- that you need a rest as well. Be honest. If she has dementia like my Mother did--- do the royal redirection! If she does not-- get some help... a Pastor's wife AND the church secretary. After a while she will be utterly astounded and rave about all the new friends she has to sit, eat with, and have wonderful, fulfilling conversations, as well as watch their favourite movies et al. Tirah !
I went through the same situation and feelings with my 91 yr old mom. One day she didn’t feel so good and we took her to the hospital. Two weeks later she passed (Mar 10) just as the country was being locked down. There are some excellent suggestions here on how to stay busy but I think your first focus should be on your thought processes. We are in control of our thoughts and our thoughts control our emotions. Keep reminding yourself that what you’re doing for your mum is the most important thing you have to do at this time in your life and afterward you will be able to get on with your own life.
Ive cried, become sullen, been angry, felt unloved and used but always reminded myself that there was going to be “life after mom”, I just didn’t expect it so soon. Now this is the hardest pill to swallow but be grateful for the time you have left with her. Journaling helped me a lot because I could let it all out, cleansed of all the sadness and bitterness. Good luck.
with love and light
Sabrina
& a bed to sleep in . You’re able to have a safe place to stay. You don’t have to be perfect in the caregiver role...just keep her clean, comfortable & give her drink & food if she gets hungry or thirsty. You’re not responsible for entertainment! Take care of yourself too. This too shall pass.
Hugs 🤗
How are you feeling today?
Thinking of you