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Siwsan

(27,448 posts)
4. First, my heart goes out to you.
Wed Apr 18, 2018, 08:01 PM
Apr 2018

I've been in a similar situation with both of my parents. My Dad was misdiagnosed with MS when he actually had a brain tumor. We had steeled ourselves for dealing with MS, but at least it wasn't something worse. Until it was. Mom died of Alzheimer's.

My best advice is going to sound overly practical, but here it is. Make sure all of your mother's legal/financial ducks are in a row - beneficiaries on everything. I can't stress strongly enough how important it is to have a durable power of attorney, advanced medical directive and medical advocate paperwork, all in order. Your Mom's decision on what she wants done with her remains are the most important and should be honored. If necessary, see if your Mom will convey, to your sister, what she wants. Getting arrangements all set and paid for, in advance, is a blessing when the time comes.

Check around for some support groups in your area. And, of course, you know that all of us on DU will be here for you, when ever you need us. If there are social workers available, talk to them. And, when the time comes, I cannot recommend Hospice highly enough. We used Hospice for Dad, Mom, my sister and my Aunt.

And spend time just talking to your Mom. Ask her questions about her youth. Keep her engaged. Both of my parents were 'disconnected' for the last months of their lives - Dad in a coma and Mom with her Alzheimer's. That didn't stop us from talking to and with them. With Mom, we spent a lot of time looking at old photographs. Even when she was lost in her own mind, there was some level of connection.

And play music. What ever kind she likes. The soothing powers of music should never be underestimated.

So take a deep breath. Make a list of things you think need to be taken care of and keep it handy so you can check things off. And never be afraid to reach out for advice.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Trust your instincts voteearlyvoteoften Apr 2018 #1
Nobody knows what the hell they are doing. Turbineguy Apr 2018 #2
I agree with hospice, my mother passed in December and was first in palliative care blueinredohio Apr 2018 #7
During the last couple of days I was able call them Turbineguy Apr 2018 #14
How could anyone expect you to know what you're doing? Rorey Apr 2018 #3
First, my heart goes out to you. Siwsan Apr 2018 #4
great advice! Long Term memory goes last but im not sure how that works.. samnsara Oct 2018 #24
I'm so sorry Phoenix61 Apr 2018 #5
First, I suggest you find a local cancer support group. They can assist you in whatever way you need sinkingfeeling Apr 2018 #6
This message was self-deleted by its author sinkingfeeling Apr 2018 #8
You have perfectly described what its like to be a caregiver for a seriously ill parent. enough Apr 2018 #9
Thank you all! cynatnite Apr 2018 #10
I believe that Advance Directives are legally binding Rorey Apr 2018 #12
Your sister may not mean harm Rorey Apr 2018 #13
Your state probably has rules about Advance Directives RandomAccess Apr 2018 #18
As far as diet goes.... Rorey Apr 2018 #11
My dad had lung cancer. procon Apr 2018 #15
what a great account RandomAccess Apr 2018 #19
Lots of good advice above. Yonnie3 Apr 2018 #16
When my uncle went into a coma for 4 weeks, I learned a few things Farmer-Rick Apr 2018 #17
You are stronger than you think. alfredo Apr 2018 #20
Make sure you mother knows you love her and will care for her. JayhawkSD Apr 2018 #21
My experience with food when on chemo Jim Lane Apr 2018 #22
(((hugs))) samnsara Oct 2018 #23
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