Mil is 78. She has various minor physical conditions which mean she is a little unsteady on her feet, but up to now basically capable of taking care of herself. She has an adult daughter who lives with her, another who lives about 5 miles away, one son who lives in Italy and dp- we live 300 miles away.
She has bipolar, which is usually very well controlled. Her last major episode was 5 years ago. She started another episode in mid July, and despite adjustments to her medication, she doesn’t seem to be getting much better. She is unpredictable-mostly almost rational, but is prone to do daft things- leaving the gas on type of stuff. She catnaps, which means she needs someone with her all the time, day and night, both because of the daft things, and because she is increasingly unsteady. Up to now her DD’s and DP and I have taken turns to stay with her, expecting her to get better as she has in the past. But she hasn’t. And SILS, who are taking most of the load, are fast coming to the end of their resources- they both have full time jobs, and see functioning on very little sleep. DP and I take turns to go up to give them a couple of days break but it’s not enough.
Does anyone know what we can do? We’ve had crisis help on occasion but obviously she needs someone with her all the time. She has some money- but not enough to pay for 24 hour care long term. Her GP practice is pretty useless and had no suggestions “Isn’t she lucky to have such a wonderful family” was one gem!
We’re going round in circles-can anyone point us in the right direction?