My mum is in a care home, where she's been for over 5 years.
I'm not sure exactly how long she's had Alzheimer's for but it could be between 15 to 17 years. I first noticed her getting forgetful and it crossed my mind she could have it and over the years it became obvious.
She has been unable to walk for many years and first was sitting in a chair in the home but when she started to slip down and fall onto the floor they put her into bed all of the time.
At first when she was in bed she was still responding to conversation and singing for the first year but then started to stop talking and then singing and then wouldn't even open her eyes.
I kept visiting for a few months but I found it so upsetting that I decided to take the step of stopping visiting. I thought I'd be getting a phone call to say she was near the end within a few months and would be told to visit her for final visit if I wanted but it's been 2 and a half years and she's still the same.
She's skin and bone and to me, this is just so awful.
I just hate the thought of her going on so long like this. I don't know if she's suffering, I just get the usual answers from the care home staff that she's fine and they're doing all they can for her.
Has anyone else had the same situation or similar? Is this normal - whatever normal is with this horrible illness?
I'm not sure exactly how long she's had Alzheimer's for but it could be between 15 to 17 years. I first noticed her getting forgetful and it crossed my mind she could have it and over the years it became obvious.
She has been unable to walk for many years and first was sitting in a chair in the home but when she started to slip down and fall onto the floor they put her into bed all of the time.
At first when she was in bed she was still responding to conversation and singing for the first year but then started to stop talking and then singing and then wouldn't even open her eyes.
I kept visiting for a few months but I found it so upsetting that I decided to take the step of stopping visiting. I thought I'd be getting a phone call to say she was near the end within a few months and would be told to visit her for final visit if I wanted but it's been 2 and a half years and she's still the same.
She's skin and bone and to me, this is just so awful.
I just hate the thought of her going on so long like this. I don't know if she's suffering, I just get the usual answers from the care home staff that she's fine and they're doing all they can for her.
Has anyone else had the same situation or similar? Is this normal - whatever normal is with this horrible illness?