Worried about my mum

[Sunholidays]

My mum is 86 and generally speaking in good health, although overweight and increasingly sedentary. Today she told me that she's spent almost all day sleeping. She went out at breakfast time, came back and lied in bed and has been sleeping for most of the day. This is very unlike her. She likes her nap after lunch but not straight after breakfast. She lives in my home country so I cannot just go round tomorrow to see her. Should I be worried? I keep telling myself that we can all have an off day every now and then but still...

Yes that’s unusual for anyone. I’d worry about her not drinking enough and ending up with a UTI, or a worse one. I’d call her every few hours.

Do you have a doctors number for her? Would you be able to call an ambulance for her if needed? I’m not saying you need to do that now but I’d ask about it. How does it work in that country, will the doctor talk to you if you call them? I’d find this out now.

Is there a neighbour who could drop in and make sure she drinks a glass or two? A relative?

My cousin went early this morning to see her and called the doctor.

She's got a sore throat and hoarse voice and is very tired. Apparently there is a new covid variant that's like that.

The doctor has prescribed paracetamol and rest. She should be better in 3 days apparently. My cousin is checking her oxygen and temperature, all is fine on that front.

It is such a worry when you're far...