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Elderly parents

Need some advice from more knowledgeable folk

5 replies

MillersAngle · 17/03/2025 13:48

A family member is very seriously ill. She is immobile due to a long term condition, doubly incontinent, very, very underweight, is not eating to a level to increase weight, has very recently recovered from multiple very serious infections but is still in an acute hospital. She was initially given very low chance of survival but this has improved.

Family members have very different visions of what care happens from here, some are trying night and day to be present and do what they consider the necessities of feeding at every meal and others are visiting and just spending time talking with her because in their mind she is end of life whereas the others want to “fix” the situation with a vision of her being cared for at home whereas the other side wants that she goes into a nursing home because they feel the care needs are at a level that requires that input.

There has been longstanding patterns of domineering, controlling behaviour and ignoring boundaries from some members of the family and so one side is trying to impose their vision of how this care needs to be done on the other side.

The condition has been degenerative and there has been several crises with it and longstanding care required for over a decade and due to the recent recovery, there is no guarantee that end of life could go on for months or even year(s). There is significant family carer burnout.

Any advice would be welcome.

OP posts:
SockFluffInTheBath · 17/03/2025 13:59

There is significant family carer burnout.

This is you? Just say no to having them back in your care and do not deviate.

MillersAngle · 17/03/2025 14:29

It is my older sister doing most of the care, she has been absolutely amazing. I’ve done a lot of the appointments and obviously visit regularly but I have a disability myself and I am exhausted by how long this has gone on for.

Our other sister has no room in her house to care as she has kids and other issues but she is extremely domineering and demanding and she wants the way things have been to continue.

That sister is good when she is available but that is not very often. Dealing with her is honestly more draining than dealing with the ill family member. This has been the case for all of our lives if I am honest. She is just one of that type of person, exhausting.

Sorry I was trying to be somewhat vague as I’m nearly sure our sister uses sometimes.

OP posts:
SockFluffInTheBath · 17/03/2025 14:43

It’s not uncommon for the strongest opinions to come from the one that does the least. Unfortunately the choice is simply to stand up to her, or continue to provide care.

PermanentTemporary · 17/03/2025 18:08

Do you, personally, think this person has mental capacity to decide where they should live, and separately, how much intervention they want?

What kind of person were they? Quite solitary? Highly family oriented? Social? Traveller?

The point to start imo is always with what you think they would want, and then to take a very tough look at what is realistically available to them.

Have they had a palliative care review and family meeting?

ohcrikeynotagain · 17/03/2025 18:42

Is there any power of attorney for health? If not then really it's not down to the 'family' to decide.

Don't promise more than you can deliver regarding care and block your domineering sister when they suggest something outlandish - eg that won't work will it / or and who will do that in reality?

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