My mum doesn't have a diagnosis yet but dementia is looking likely and I thought this the most appropriate place.
Brief history. Mum had an episode of delirium last year that resolved in around 10 days. 8 weeks ago, she experienced the same following an op and stay in HDU. It has not resolved and a diagnosis of dementia seems likely, although we are still in the process of that.
I'm struggling to cope with the sudden change in my mum and what it will mean for us all. She's currently in a nursing home having rehab but will come home soon with maximum care. Prior to this she was living independently and driving, managing het own affairs and long term health condition. Now, she's often very confused, she hallucinates, she can be agitated and paranoid, emotional, has moments of insight where she's very distressed about what's happening and at others thinks she's still at work (78 and many years retired). We have since found from other relatives that she's had odd episodes since last year that support the dementia theory.
I'm struggling badly with this sudden change. I work almost full time and have 4 children aged 9-15 and have had to take time off sick ad I was so anxious and distressed by it all. I went back this week but had to be sent home today as I became so upset. In terrified of losing my job and so frustrated that I'm not coping. I want my old life back! I'm so unhappy and miserable and know this will only get harder when she comes home.
Please, someone tell me how to come to terms with this. Within a few weeks my mum has almost become a stranger and my own life has changed and I don't know what to do. I'm used to being someone who can cope with anything. I need my job, I need to be able to care for my family, and I need to not feel so tearful and unhappy. I can't comprehend how my life has changed in a few short weeks.
Brief history. Mum had an episode of delirium last year that resolved in around 10 days. 8 weeks ago, she experienced the same following an op and stay in HDU. It has not resolved and a diagnosis of dementia seems likely, although we are still in the process of that.
I'm struggling to cope with the sudden change in my mum and what it will mean for us all. She's currently in a nursing home having rehab but will come home soon with maximum care. Prior to this she was living independently and driving, managing het own affairs and long term health condition. Now, she's often very confused, she hallucinates, she can be agitated and paranoid, emotional, has moments of insight where she's very distressed about what's happening and at others thinks she's still at work (78 and many years retired). We have since found from other relatives that she's had odd episodes since last year that support the dementia theory.
I'm struggling badly with this sudden change. I work almost full time and have 4 children aged 9-15 and have had to take time off sick ad I was so anxious and distressed by it all. I went back this week but had to be sent home today as I became so upset. In terrified of losing my job and so frustrated that I'm not coping. I want my old life back! I'm so unhappy and miserable and know this will only get harder when she comes home.
Please, someone tell me how to come to terms with this. Within a few weeks my mum has almost become a stranger and my own life has changed and I don't know what to do. I'm used to being someone who can cope with anything. I need my job, I need to be able to care for my family, and I need to not feel so tearful and unhappy. I can't comprehend how my life has changed in a few short weeks.