I have gotten to the point where I'm barely functioning. I'm out on medical leave, but I don't feel like my situation has improved. I was supposed to be getting stabilized on my medication during the month I was out; that hasn't happened. My psychiatrist said, "just go back to work; it gets harder if you don't and they'll find someone to replace you." He has a point, but I think that I have a good chance of having a hard time and losing my job if I go back in my current state.
My sleep pattern is out of whack; my short-term memory is gone. I forget chunks of conversations; I frequently forget what I intended to do when I go from one room to another. I'm irritable and stressed out. My mother also has mental issues, which she refuses treatment for. When she has delusions that someone is coming into the house or that something "funny" is going on, but "the authorities" are watching and will take care of it, it stresses me more.
My GP said that part of the problem might be that a combination of medications is leaving me too sedated, leaving to the oversleeping problem that I had for the last month that I was at work. At the psychiatrist's office, I complained that I was drowsy and having trouble getting up. The ARNP said that she "hadn't heard of that before" with the medication I had just started, even though it's listed as a possible side effect on the insert.
Ugh, I'm long-winded. Long story short, I'm scheduled to go back on Monday. I don't feel prepared to do so in this state. I want to check myself in to a psychiatric inpatient facility. The problem is going to be making sure my mother is fed. She's ambulatory and takes care of her hygiene, but won't/can't use the microwave. If I leave food in the refrigerator, she may or may not eat it. She is a bit of a hoarder though. She "shops" for things in the living room and kitchen, taking them to her room. But currently that's just things like dried fruit, dry cereal, and chips.
I'll probably be in for three days (if they admit me). She gets Meals on Wheels on weekdays. However, on weekends, no hot meals are available. I was going to have food delivered through one of those restaurant taxi services, then I realized: she doesn't open the door for anyone. The only thing I can think of right now is to leave her food that doesn't need refrigeration and that can be a somewhat balanced meal. I'm on my way to the store to get some of those tuna salad kits and whatever else I see that's suitable. The rest of the family is almost 1000 miles away, so I'll see if friends can call or stop by to check on her.
Am I missing anything that I should be doing before I seek admission? She has an Emergency Alert pendant, and typing this message I just realized that I need to put a corded phone in her room in addition to the cell phone and cordless phone, just in case there's a power outage. Ok, this is really long. Sorry. I'm in Florida, in case someone thinks of a service that might be applicable.
WHERE TO CALL FOR LOCAL SERVICES I NEED INFORMATION ON...
911 for Emergency
1-800-96-ELDER Elder Helpline (or 1-800-963-5337) Apply for services or ask about DOEA programs & services
1-800-96-ABUSE Elder Abuse (or 1-800-962-2873)
1-866-232-3733 Consumer Directed Care Plus
1-888-367-6554 Florida Medicaid Options (Medicaid Beneficiaries and Long-Term Care Information)
1-888-831-0404 File a Long-term Care Resident Complaint (Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program)
1-888-895-7873 Senior Legal Helpline
Locate Local Aging Resource Center (ARC)
Resource by Florida County including Telephone Numbers
Adult Day Care Centers (AHCA)
Alzheimer’s Disease
Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) - Funding Sources, How to Select ALFs
Find Assisted Living Facilities/Nursing Homes in Your Area (AHCA)
DOEA Programs & Services
Nursing Home Guide (AHCA)
Senior Housing Facilities
Senior Living Map
Elder Abuse
Employment for Seniors
Florida Medicaid (AHCA)
Free Health Insurance Counseling (SHINE)
Medicare
Memory Disorder Clinics
Prescription Drug Assistance (SHINE)
Long-Term Care (SHINE)
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
TOOLS & TIPS
FOR CONSUMERS & CAREGIVERS PROGRAMS & SERVICES
FOR SENIORS & CAREGIVERS
Advance Directives for Health Care & Forms (AHCA)
AgingCare
Benefits Check Up
Disaster Preparedness
Fraud
Health & Wellness
Long-Term Care Guide (Medicare.gov)
Resident Rights
Resources for Seniors, Families & Caregivers
Hope this helps. Barb Woods
Be aware that some published guide books/services information and telephone numbers change beyond an agency/department’s control and will inevitably occur after publication.
Any other caregivers or friends of caregiver, families, or seniors that may be reading this article and need help call your States Department of Aging, local church, AARP, senior centers, social workers or outpatient Behavioral Health.
Someone knows where you can get a community/consumer resource guide and or a list of advocate programs. Or if you are handy with a computer do a search on adult, family or senior programs for your state.
Caregivers don't get enough credit in taking care of our families, the disabled or elderly. It is exhausting work and you never have time for yourself. Caregivers get tired and need a break often. Don't ever give up!
This information should get you started and help on the way. Bless you all my thoughts and prayers to all.
B. Woods
As to your mother, find someone to check in on her everyday while you are gone. If she doesn't understand what is going on, she may become even more mental. Give that trusted person a key to solve the locked door issue and make sure she has met them. If you can't find a volunteer, your area Agency on Aging might have a list of people that volunteer or for hire. Check with the hospital. Our local Mercy Hospital keeps a list of CNAs and LPNs who do home care . Many of them charge much less than an agency does. We also have volunteers called Project Compassion that visits the NHs and homebound. Ask around to see if your city has something similar.
I have been hospitalized three times in the last 6 years(bleeding disorder and surgery) and have used a combination of these resources.
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