I've spent some time reading other people's stories and have decided to tell mine.
My mum was diagnosed with Alzheimers in October last year. In November she collapsed at home and was admitted to hospital where she stayed until February this year. As she was unable to look after herself my brothers and I found a residential home for her. She was only there for 6 days when she had a fall, badly cutting her face. She was again admitted to hospital with a severe chest infection and the bruises from the fall. She almost died, but eventually pulled through. Her dementia has become so much worse to the point where she is almost bedridden and cannot do anything for herself anymore. We are now looking for a nursing home for her.
She has changed so much in such a short space of time. She is almost like a child in her speech and the way she behaves. She wants me with her all the time and cries so much. She is so unhappy and tells me often that she wants to die. I often just sit and hold her hand and cry with her, for the person she used to be and the person she has now become.
I have this big guilt trip that I cannot look after her and I know that going into a home is the last thing she wants (my Dad died in a home 6 years ago and Mum always said she didn't want to end up in one). I feel I am letting her down.
I have three brothers, one hasn't been in touch for over three years and has no idea what has happened to Mum. One visits quite often and the other visits when he can fit Mum in around whatever else he is doing. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the changes dementia brings.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It helps knowing that there are others going through the same awful experiences.
Take care Sheila xxx
My mum was diagnosed with Alzheimers in October last year. In November she collapsed at home and was admitted to hospital where she stayed until February this year. As she was unable to look after herself my brothers and I found a residential home for her. She was only there for 6 days when she had a fall, badly cutting her face. She was again admitted to hospital with a severe chest infection and the bruises from the fall. She almost died, but eventually pulled through. Her dementia has become so much worse to the point where she is almost bedridden and cannot do anything for herself anymore. We are now looking for a nursing home for her.
She has changed so much in such a short space of time. She is almost like a child in her speech and the way she behaves. She wants me with her all the time and cries so much. She is so unhappy and tells me often that she wants to die. I often just sit and hold her hand and cry with her, for the person she used to be and the person she has now become.
I have this big guilt trip that I cannot look after her and I know that going into a home is the last thing she wants (my Dad died in a home 6 years ago and Mum always said she didn't want to end up in one). I feel I am letting her down.
I have three brothers, one hasn't been in touch for over three years and has no idea what has happened to Mum. One visits quite often and the other visits when he can fit Mum in around whatever else he is doing. I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the changes dementia brings.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It helps knowing that there are others going through the same awful experiences.
Take care Sheila xxx