I've not been on here for a while. Long story short, my aunt (90) who has dementia has been living with my mum (93) for the past 5 years or so.
My mum has been her primary carer until only a few months ago when she finally agreed it was too much for her and allowed me to organise some care to come into the house. Up until then, it was just the two of them with me getting over there when I could to do shopping and help out. I don't live close.
My aunt has deteriorated rapidly in the last few weeks and is now in hospital after being found out of bed on the floor one morning. She hasn't eaten for the last 5 days so it looks like the end is near.
I know my mum will be devastated when her sister is gone. They both shunned social interaction over the last few years and my mum has often said the only reason she wanted to stay alive was to look after her sister. Just to make things even more difficult for her, it seems she is now suffering from dementia. We are expecting the diagnosis in a couple of weeks time.
An OT from the memory clinic visited recently and made the suggestion that my mum could have a dog now that carers are coming into the house. Now I know my mum would love to have a dog and I'm sure it would help her in her time of grief, but I'm concerned about the practicalities and the possibility of creating more problems for her.
The OT referred me to the Cinnamon Trust who provide help for elderly pet owners. I haven't spoken to them yet and wanted to find out if anyone here has any advice on this subject or has been in a similar position.
Thanks
My mum has been her primary carer until only a few months ago when she finally agreed it was too much for her and allowed me to organise some care to come into the house. Up until then, it was just the two of them with me getting over there when I could to do shopping and help out. I don't live close.
My aunt has deteriorated rapidly in the last few weeks and is now in hospital after being found out of bed on the floor one morning. She hasn't eaten for the last 5 days so it looks like the end is near.
I know my mum will be devastated when her sister is gone. They both shunned social interaction over the last few years and my mum has often said the only reason she wanted to stay alive was to look after her sister. Just to make things even more difficult for her, it seems she is now suffering from dementia. We are expecting the diagnosis in a couple of weeks time.
An OT from the memory clinic visited recently and made the suggestion that my mum could have a dog now that carers are coming into the house. Now I know my mum would love to have a dog and I'm sure it would help her in her time of grief, but I'm concerned about the practicalities and the possibility of creating more problems for her.
The OT referred me to the Cinnamon Trust who provide help for elderly pet owners. I haven't spoken to them yet and wanted to find out if anyone here has any advice on this subject or has been in a similar position.
Thanks