She is bent over constantly and chokes a lot. We have had to lock her ands dogs meds up because she gets it all mixed up. And she's developed OCD about certain things. Even neurologist thinks she's rapidly worsening but latest. Brain scan didn't appear to show any marked changes. She's starting to have a few accidents but. We can't tell if its just that she couldn't get there in time? Newest trend us going to bathroom every 20 min. And chasing us outside when we leave for work. Clearly she's not mentally understanding everything anymore. Worried about how much longer she has and how much longer before she can't be cared for at home. She fell as she does a lot but this time fractureed her nose. Scared for her. Still don't know how it happened cuz she can't say anything and we were home!
It sounds to me like she has dementia. Has she been diagnosed?
In-home care is the best option, if you can do it or afford it. If not, and your only option will be a nursing home at some time in the future; keep in mind that the waiting lists are long and it's not cheap. We found out the best thing to do is wait until an incident occurs (a fall, etc) and then have your parent taken to the emergency room. From there the hospital can send them to a nursing home for rehabilitation, and Medicare will pay for it for a certain amount of time. We didn't have to go that route, but it is good to know ahead of time.
Good luck; I know how hard it is to cope with the situation, and I hope for the best for you.
Can I ask does your mom have an advanced directive? My mom had her DNR form made up 10 years prior to her diagnoses so we knew what her wishes were. She did not want any life sustaining procedures. So when she refused food she did not want a feeding tube. Hospice was so very useful at this point. They kept mom comfortable and pain free. If you don't already have them talk to her doctor and have her evaluated for hospice. Get respite when you can. Caring for someone with dementia is exhausting, take of you so that you give her the care she deserves. Good luck and God bless.
And I agree with 4th daughter, Mom went in to the ER after falling and they sent her to a rehab/nursing facility, she got a staph infection, cdip, uti and pnuemonia there, it was rough, but she could no longer walk, talk or eat so she needed that 24 hr care. I still question that move, and that was a top rated nursing home!
Good luck and God Bless You. Hugs.
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