I am new to this site and would welcome any help as I am completely overwhelmed and don't know what to.
I have had concerns for well over 2 years regarding my mother's dementia symptoms. I have tried to talk to my dad many, many times about getting an assessment so we can all know what is happening so we are better placed to help mum as and when needed. My parents have decided they are quite able to manage without any help and I have been torn between respecting their wishes and trying to do something about it. This has made quite ill. I A crisis has now hit and we are in the nightmare situation I have been so desperately trying to avoid. My dad was rushed into hospital a week ago with a serious infection and is very ill and we don't know when/if he will come home. This has exacerbated her condition and we are juggling staying with her 24/7 as she wanders round the house looking for my dad. She obviously has separation anxiety as she cannot function without him. It is heartwrenching to watch and we feel helpless. Someone has suggested we see her GP and arrange urgent respite care as we need headspace to sort out what is going on with my dad and the minefield of sorting out care for him should he come out as well as trying to find out if bills at their house have been paid etc. I am feeling overwhelmed as if I can't breathe and don't know where to start. Sorry to ramble but wanted to know if anyone knew about urgent respite care and whether it would be available or will the GP think I am over reacting? Mum also gets up in the middle of the night, thinking its morning and goes to the front door as wants to go out. I don't feel I can keep her safe. She is 86 and my dad is 88. Thank you.
I have had concerns for well over 2 years regarding my mother's dementia symptoms. I have tried to talk to my dad many, many times about getting an assessment so we can all know what is happening so we are better placed to help mum as and when needed. My parents have decided they are quite able to manage without any help and I have been torn between respecting their wishes and trying to do something about it. This has made quite ill. I A crisis has now hit and we are in the nightmare situation I have been so desperately trying to avoid. My dad was rushed into hospital a week ago with a serious infection and is very ill and we don't know when/if he will come home. This has exacerbated her condition and we are juggling staying with her 24/7 as she wanders round the house looking for my dad. She obviously has separation anxiety as she cannot function without him. It is heartwrenching to watch and we feel helpless. Someone has suggested we see her GP and arrange urgent respite care as we need headspace to sort out what is going on with my dad and the minefield of sorting out care for him should he come out as well as trying to find out if bills at their house have been paid etc. I am feeling overwhelmed as if I can't breathe and don't know where to start. Sorry to ramble but wanted to know if anyone knew about urgent respite care and whether it would be available or will the GP think I am over reacting? Mum also gets up in the middle of the night, thinking its morning and goes to the front door as wants to go out. I don't feel I can keep her safe. She is 86 and my dad is 88. Thank you.