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Elderly parents

Dad dying, how to cope with Mum

819 replies

MintyCedric · 28/04/2020 23:35

I was on here about a year ago after my dad had a bad fall and broke 4 vertebrae.

To cut a long story short, although there was no spinal cord damage and we got him home after 7 weeks, he never really recovered and his health and wellbeing has been on a downward trajectory ever since.

Shortly after lockdown he became largely bedridden (other than going to the bathroom) due to weight loss and lack of strength/balance. Verdict of 2 x GPs and practice nurse is that it's likely he has some kind of late stage gastrointestinal cancer and a prognosis of a couple of months at best.

Over the last week has been struggling to get to the bathroom (he has a commode and portable urinals in his room.but I've had to hold him up to use the latter. Today he made it out to the loo but I had to lift him off it).

Mum seems to be somewhat in denial and is not really managing to make any decisions about equipment and carers, and emotionally is utterly exhausting.

I'm visiting them almost daily, sometimes for several hours or more than once, but feel I'm spending all my time propping mum up. I want to be supportive but I'm also trying to work from home, keep an eye on 15yo DD (who is great but starting to forget what I look like), keep my own home/paperwork under control and look after myself (which is frankly a lost cause).

I feel guilty as hell for both resenting Mums demands on my time and brain space, and also because I'm dealing with the dad aspect on autopilot and have barely cried or even begun to process the situation.

I imagine my mum's emotional demands will only get worse and feel like my life is basically going to be over for the foreseeable future. I'm terrified I'm going to have give up work and my home to care for her and although I love her dearly, we are like chalk and cheese and I just don't think I could cope.

OP posts:
Rinsefirst · 03/09/2020 21:50

As candleabra says, let them put an appropriate care package in place. My DH was in such a rush to escape hospital after 11 weeks, he insisted he leave against the best advice of his social worker. She wanted him to wait another week to have everything joined up. He got let out on the Thursday and was fatally injured by the Tuesday after failing to heed his discharge advice. Sad

MintyCedric · 04/09/2020 07:02

Tbh I have stepped back.

The bottom line is, dad has capacity, as does mum who is his next of kin.

My efforts to facilitate more help etc 'behind the scenes' have only caused more confusion and stress, so I'm letting them make the decisions whilst stressing every time that it is their choice and their responsibility.

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RandomMess · 04/09/2020 07:36

Hurrah for you stepping back! This must continue when Dad is home, don't be plugging the gaps and running around to help etc etc

Whatever help you said you could give that is it.

Thanks
Candleabra · 04/09/2020 08:42

That's good minty, well done. Easier to step back though whilst dad is in full time respite care. Be careful over the next few days, keep those boundaries in place.

I hope you've been able to make a few plans with friends etc, adding things just for you to your life. Hope all ok with work and daughter.

Knotaknitter · 04/09/2020 08:49

As I've no doubt said before, my mottos here are "don't own someone else's problems" and "not my circus, not my monkeys". Enjoy your life, chase the dream job and leave the Wonderwoman suit in the cupboard.

I'm of the camp where no news is good news, I don't chase you for an update because I assume that things are going well. With that in mind, I'd love to not hear from you again (except do come back and tell us if you get the job AND YOUR PENSION SORTED OUT. Sorry, that slipped out there)

justilou1 · 04/09/2020 09:53

And when the calls start coming you are to tell her “Why are you calling me? Call a fucking ambulance!” EVERY SINGLE TIME!

MintyCedric · 04/09/2020 20:30

@justilou1

And when the calls start coming you are to tell her “Why are you calling me? Call a fucking ambulance!” EVERY SINGLE TIME!
There's been a lot of "I don't know you'll have to ask xyz..." over the last week or two.

He's due to come home Monday but they can only do midday and early evening carers. Companion carer on a Weds is already back in place and mum is going to ask about paying a different company privately to do mornings.

I will probably go and stay Monday night when he comes home, but tbh I have an ulterior motive in suggesting that as I want Thursday at home for myself!

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forrestgreen · 04/09/2020 21:05

The only time I've ever stayed was after my dad died, we needed that. What are you staying at all, this is what they both want, to be at home together, let it be.

MintyCedric · 04/09/2020 21:18

I've been staying round once a week for a while and actually I don't mind it at all. It's been especially nice whilst dad's been in respite and feels like mum and I have managed to have some quality time without getting upset or stressing each other out.

So I don't mind doing it, but I have potentially more interesting plans for Thursday this week Wink

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Rinsefirst · 04/09/2020 22:17

Thursday night GrinGrin
Actually Minty that’s what we all want for you... getting some of your life back.
Maybe you need to be at your home Monday night to get prepared for Thursday Wine
And it let’s your parents have valuable quality time together Smile

MintyCedric · 08/09/2020 18:53

Dad came home early yesterday afternoon.

The carers that are coming in seem to be cery thorough and mum is finding them easier/better than the last lot. They were lovely women, but ot was all a it chaotic as they would arrive separately and rarely stay the full time.

These have been coming together and are really thorough in the care they give dad. He pretty much had a makeover this morning by all accounts!

His brother has been to visit today, companion carer tomorrow. I stayed last night so finger's crossed my plans for Thursday will proceed unhindered 😁!

Have had some good news at work this week too, and a hot bath, Chinese and a glass of wine this evening.

Touch wood, all is well in the house of Minty!

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MintyCedric · 08/09/2020 18:54

That was not the smiley face I anticipated...i am not grimacing at Thursdays plans!

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thesandwich · 08/09/2020 20:07

Great news minty 😉for Thursday.....

MrsMcTats · 08/09/2020 20:55

Fantastic news! Enjoy the calm Smile

Candleabra · 08/09/2020 21:45

Hey, that's great news. And about the work stuff too. Keep looking after yourself. And enjoy whatever Thursday brings, nice to have the prospect of some fun!

Knotaknitter · 08/09/2020 22:14

I am really pleased for you, here's hoping that Thursday goes to plan.

justilou1 · 09/09/2020 00:35

Sounds like the world has turned in your direction finally! I'm so pleased for you!!!

Weenurse · 11/09/2020 22:36

Sounds promising

MintyCedric · 12/09/2020 15:43

Well needless to say, Mum had a meltdown on Thursday evening...

...but I didn't sway and we're all ok.

It's obviously a matter of time before it all goes to shit one way or another but making the most of the relative peace for now.

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RandomMess · 12/09/2020 15:44

Good, stand firm.

If they can't cope he will need to go back to the home.

Thanks
Knotaknitter · 12/09/2020 17:34

It's obviously a matter of time before it all goes to shit one way or another but making the most of the relative peace for now.

You'd have to shorten it a bit to get it on a t shirt but if you could I imagine there are a few of us that would buy it.

thesandwich · 12/09/2020 19:31

Brilliant knota I’d buy one!!!
Hope all is going well minty

justilou1 · 12/09/2020 21:54

Glad you’re continuing to remain firm with boundaries

MintyCedric · 12/09/2020 22:07

@Knotaknitter

It's obviously a matter of time before it all goes to shit one way or another but making the most of the relative peace for now.

You'd have to shorten it a bit to get it on a t shirt but if you could I imagine there are a few of us that would buy it.

😄😄😄
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Candleabra · 13/09/2020 15:39

Great news minty (well not the meltdown obviously - though I suspect that was inevitable - but about your reaction to it).
Also love the t-shirt slogan.
A new business idea for the sandwich generation?! Why should the millennials have all the fun....