Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

For expecting us to call pull together in this crisis?

278 replies

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 17:11

My mum recently found out that she needs major surgery where she will need live-in support for a number of weeks during recovery. She lives alone and isn't in a relationship- basically her only support network is her 5 children.

I live 1.5 hours drive from my mum, but do not have a drivers license due to a chronic illness. I have stepped up and said that I can support mum by letting her move in with me during the weeks she is recovering from surgery, but I would need one of my siblings to drive her to me and collect her at the end of the 3 weeks.

However, they are all making excuses and saying they are busy and don't have time to give her a lift. I understand a 3 hour round trip is a really long drive, but she is our mother. I have offered to cook them a meal and even to stay overnight if this helps, but they have said it's not going to work for them. Most of the excuses are more around how it would be inconvenient for them, rather than genuinely not being able to help. I would give examples but feel this would be outing.

My partner drives, but already has a 2 hour minimum commute every day so adding a 3 hour round trip to this feels like a huge ask. He also has a strict 50:50 custody schedule with his ex where he needs to pick up the kids up as soon as he finishes work on his nights so even if he was willing, this wouldn't be feasible. Not to mention, my mum has 5 children and I don't see why it should be all on me to ensure our mother is cared for, let alone my partner.

Despite the doctor referring to it as major surgery and saying my mum will need live in care for several weeks, one of my siblings has said 'it's not that bad and that surely she can just live unassisted'. They also said that that my mum is acting really entitled to expect her kids to give her lifts and look after her when it's her own decision to live alone. Whilst I understand that we all have our own lives and responsibilities, I do think she's our mother who raised us all and sacrificed a lot for us. I am willing to do the lion's share of caring for her, but it doesn't change the fact that I can't drive. I need their help and feel really stressed and frustrated at the lack of empathy and that they won't do their bit.

AIBU for thinking we should all be pulling together and splitting the burden according to what each of us are able to do? Or is it too much for a mum to expect her kids to be there for her in her hour of need? I am autistic and don't always understand the nuances of these situations.

OP posts:
NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:00

Twiglets1 · 21/06/2024 19:57

But still … probably can raise £120 for a one off event like this.

If she really can’t, her children will have to pay it between them.

Shes a minimum wage worker on SSP so is worrying about even being able to keep her flat at this stage. But I agree, me and my siblings could all club together. Is it cheeky to suggest that if all else fails?

OP posts:
S0livagant · 21/06/2024 20:01

KreedKafer · 21/06/2024 18:51

Ultimately, I don’t think that just because you see something as an obligation you can expect or assume that your siblings will see it that. I completely understand why you feel the way you do, but although you feel a sense of pressure or concern, that’s your feeling to manage. Your siblings don’t have to react to a pressure they don’t feel.

You said in one of your posts that you couldn’t manage to spend three hours weeks in a small house with someone because you’re autistic. Here’s the thing, though: that is a boundary you’ve set for yourself, as you are entitled to do, for your comfort and wellbeing. Your siblings are absolutely allowed to set their own boundaries for their comfort and wellbeing too. Theirs might be different from yours, but they’re just as valid. Being autistic doesn’t mean you’re the only one who is entitled to refuse things that you feel would be unacceptably stressful.

The OP couldn't manage three weeks in her mother's one bedroom home. She is willing to care for her mother in her own home. No doubt this is already outside of her comfort zone but she is willing to step up. If 90 minutes sharing a car with their mother and 90 minutes driving back is unacceptably stressful for every one of her siblings then they ought to work out other arrangements.

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:02

pontipinemum · 21/06/2024 19:59

Your siblings sound very selfish! From what you've said there is no huge back story etc.

Saying about your mam 'choosing to be alone' loads of people are single! How rude.

My mam has just been in hospital for a few weeks and has been diagnosed with a life changing illness. I am an only child, but thankfully my mam has a few sisters. But she has had to come stay with me, she lives about 3 hours away from me. We do have a back story but ultimately she isn't a bad person just made mistakes and I will be there for her.

I'm also having issues with her having lived pay day to pay day through her life and having zero plans for her future.

But yes your siblings are selfish - painting a friends room ffs! Are they really young?

I'm so sorry to hear about your mum, and you are doing a great thing. My youngest sibling is nearly 30 and the eldest is 40 so not really...

OP posts:
MichelleScarn · 21/06/2024 20:05

What care are the Hospital saying she needs?

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:05

S0livagant · 21/06/2024 20:01

The OP couldn't manage three weeks in her mother's one bedroom home. She is willing to care for her mother in her own home. No doubt this is already outside of her comfort zone but she is willing to step up. If 90 minutes sharing a car with their mother and 90 minutes driving back is unacceptably stressful for every one of her siblings then they ought to work out other arrangements.

Thank you for articulating this better than I could have. Of course everyone is entitled to their boundaries, but a 90 minute lift isn't quite the same as becoming a carer alongside your full time job and looking after DSC for at least 3 weeks.

OP posts:
NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:06

MichelleScarn · 21/06/2024 20:05

What care are the Hospital saying she needs?

I have only heard from her what the hospital had said so far, but after several comments on here I want to talk to them directly as well.

OP posts:
S0livagant · 21/06/2024 20:07

I don't think the OP's partner being unwilling or it being too much with work means the siblings can use similar excuses. It isn't his mother. If we are going to hold partners to the same level of responsibility, then what about the other siblings' partners? Can they do it?

MichelleScarn · 21/06/2024 20:08

I think that's a good idea, you need to know if she can manage stairs, needs any equipment, am assuming she needs overnight support?

Mumtobabyhavoc · 21/06/2024 20:10

OP your siblings are selfish. I'd tell them so and what they need to do to help you to help your mum.

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:11

S0livagant · 21/06/2024 20:07

I don't think the OP's partner being unwilling or it being too much with work means the siblings can use similar excuses. It isn't his mother. If we are going to hold partners to the same level of responsibility, then what about the other siblings' partners? Can they do it?

Exactly. My partner has already been so supportive with letting her live here, paying towards extra food and agreeing to chip in with caring for her around my work responsibilities. Couldn't have asked for more support, but I can't ask him to potentially do 5 hours of driving and forgo his custody schedule for MY mum. He's already done more than my siblings.

OP posts:
FungusMcEyebrow · 21/06/2024 20:12

I’m going to link this thread every time someone has a pop at parents of only children because siblings are necessary when your parents get ill and old.

Twiglets1 · 21/06/2024 20:14

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:00

Shes a minimum wage worker on SSP so is worrying about even being able to keep her flat at this stage. But I agree, me and my siblings could all club together. Is it cheeky to suggest that if all else fails?

No, in fact it seems the logical solution to the problem.

Deebee90 · 21/06/2024 20:14

I think you need to stay at hers. It’s over an hours drive. You don’t drive. It’s not a have the surgery and get gone. She’ll need to go back for a follow up and if a stitches etc get them checked and dressed. How will you do that when you don’t drive. Honestly In your situation and you aren’t prepared to stay at hers then I’d back off and demand your siblings take over. If the siblings live closer to her place then I’m not surprised they don’t want to come to you.

Silvers11 · 21/06/2024 20:19

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:06

I have only heard from her what the hospital had said so far, but after several comments on here I want to talk to them directly as well.

@NappyBag -I'm glad to see you are going to speak to the Doctors at the hospital to check what was actually said. I do think you should also say that she lives on her own and explain the position that you will be in if you take her to yours - and the transport difficulties. It may be she wouldn't be fit to be in a car for that long. It is also probable that she could get help from the rehab team where she lives for up to 6 weeks. My Mother got that when she broke her hip as she lived on her own and we had stairs here, so it wasn't possible for her to live temporarily with anyone else. She was fine with the carers for the 6 weeks

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:20

Deebee90 · 21/06/2024 20:14

I think you need to stay at hers. It’s over an hours drive. You don’t drive. It’s not a have the surgery and get gone. She’ll need to go back for a follow up and if a stitches etc get them checked and dressed. How will you do that when you don’t drive. Honestly In your situation and you aren’t prepared to stay at hers then I’d back off and demand your siblings take over. If the siblings live closer to her place then I’m not surprised they don’t want to come to you.

And lose my dream job because my 4 siblings between them can't give my mum a lift?

I know there are more things I need to consider in terms of her aftercare, but these wouldn't be problems if I weren't the only person stepping up. I am aware that I haven't thought through every fine detail, hence me soliciting advice. Bit my heart is in the right place and I don't think it's unreasonable for me to want to find a solution that doesn't leave me unemployed.

OP posts:
Deebee90 · 21/06/2024 20:21

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:20

And lose my dream job because my 4 siblings between them can't give my mum a lift?

I know there are more things I need to consider in terms of her aftercare, but these wouldn't be problems if I weren't the only person stepping up. I am aware that I haven't thought through every fine detail, hence me soliciting advice. Bit my heart is in the right place and I don't think it's unreasonable for me to want to find a solution that doesn't leave me unemployed.

Your job and life comes first. Step back and let your siblings and mum sort it out between them.

Deebee90 · 21/06/2024 20:22

If you and your siblings weren’t around your mum would have to sort it with the hospital and social services . I know you care but let her sort it. You can’t do everything

Lunde · 21/06/2024 20:26

I think that you need to find out exactly what type of post-operative care she will need. The weeks of live-in care sound like a lot - does it mean that you will need to do personal care (washing, toiletting, lifting, use special equipment etc)? Will she need someone with her 24/7? (which is sort of implied by live in care). Or does she just need some extra help for several weeks that could be provided by family and/or carers several times per day?

If you take her to your home - how will you deal with things like

  • physio?
  • follow up appointments?
  • district nursing for wound care and stitch/staple removal?
Will she need to go back to her consultant team or is this something you would need to organize at your home and arrange for someone to be home when they visit?
HornyHornersPinger · 21/06/2024 20:29

NBU
I'm currently in Menorca having flown out yesterday to find out what's going on and help my Mum home as she's out here alone and spent 8 of 9 nights in hospital.
If you care you do what needs doing.

Gogogo12345 · 21/06/2024 20:29

Indianajet · 21/06/2024 17:58

I find this very sad. I am 69, live alone (widow) and am on the list for a hip replacement. I have five sons, and they, and their wives, have already told me not to worry, they will make sure I have all the help I need and my dogs are looked after for me. I can't believe some of the replies here, saying she will have to be responsible for herself as she is an adult. Where would we be if everyone had that attitude 🤔

But if as someone above said the OP wont be able to care if working full time then how will someone popping in twice a day for 15 mins be enough

NeverEnoughPants · 21/06/2024 20:30

Allthegoodnamesaregone1 · 21/06/2024 17:27

But that's the point. They don't. They don't have to do a single thing.

I didn't say they do have to do anything.

But if the person that is willing to the do absolute lions share says they can't without help, and it will be left to the people closer - that might just help persuade them to do the little bit they've been asked.

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:30

Lunde · 21/06/2024 20:26

I think that you need to find out exactly what type of post-operative care she will need. The weeks of live-in care sound like a lot - does it mean that you will need to do personal care (washing, toiletting, lifting, use special equipment etc)? Will she need someone with her 24/7? (which is sort of implied by live in care). Or does she just need some extra help for several weeks that could be provided by family and/or carers several times per day?

If you take her to your home - how will you deal with things like

  • physio?
  • follow up appointments?
  • district nursing for wound care and stitch/staple removal?
Will she need to go back to her consultant team or is this something you would need to organize at your home and arrange for someone to be home when they visit?

All things that I hadn't thought about before posting and I have written down to ask. Thanks so much, I really need this kind of practical advice ❤️

OP posts:
Teenie22 · 21/06/2024 20:42

I’ve just come out of a situation like this. I completely feel for you. You’re willing to do a huge thing for your Mum, care for her, and it’s not asking for much from your siblings. They are being HUGELY unreasonable for not being willing to even drive her to you. It’s the least they could do when you’ve offered to do so much. Big hug x

WearyAuldWumman · 21/06/2024 21:00

Twiglets1 · 21/06/2024 19:57

But still … probably can raise £120 for a one off event like this.

If she really can’t, her children will have to pay it between them.

That's what I meant - it's too expensive for her.

WearyAuldWumman · 21/06/2024 21:03

NappyBag · 21/06/2024 20:00

Shes a minimum wage worker on SSP so is worrying about even being able to keep her flat at this stage. But I agree, me and my siblings could all club together. Is it cheeky to suggest that if all else fails?

No. Not cheeky at all. And remember that the £120 is only one way. They need to raise double that.

You shouldn't be chipping in - you're already providing all the care.