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alcina

(602 posts)
7. Mostly alone
Sun Jul 6, 2014, 01:34 PM
Jul 2014

I've been caring for my mother -- who has Alzheimer's -- for the last six years. She lived with me and my now-ex for the first three, but after we split up, I could no longer take care of her myself. I do have four siblings, but two are unable to help and the other two are unwilling.

My mother was pretty abusive when we were growing up, so there are still a lot of bad feelings within the family. But as her dementia has progressed, she's actually become a really sweet old lady, and it's been easier for me to deal with the past. I think in some ways that's been a gift, and I wish my siblings could benefit from it. But they've chosen their own paths....

In any case, it's been hard -- both emotionally and financially. I see her 4-5 days a week, take her to all her appointments, take her for drives and meals when she's up to it. Thankfully she gets a Navy pension, which covers a fair amount of her care. Nonetheless, I've slowly drained my own savings because dementia care costs a sh**load of money. I half-joke with her that once the money runs out we'll do a Thelma and Louise. She laughs, even though I know she has no idea what I'm talking about. Then again, maybe she does. :-/

But I just came across this group, and I thank you for asking this question. It feels good to vent a little. But gotta stop now before I start crying.

Good luck and all the best to everyone here!

I've got distant support. politicat Jun 2014 #1
I'm glad your situation is "reasonably manageable." Habibi Jun 2014 #2
Blog xecaps Oct 2014 #20
Are you saying that your state somehow pays for assisted living? I don't know what you mean pnwmom Oct 2014 #22
No, the state doesn't pay. We do. Her former state regs put her in LTC. politicat Oct 2014 #24
pretty much alone here Alameda Jun 2014 #3
Do you have any supportive resources? Habibi Jun 2014 #4
Resources for respite: politicat Jun 2014 #5
I think that "first rule of caregiving" is awesome and yet Habibi Jun 2014 #6
What xecaps Oct 2014 #23
Am I sure about what? Habibi Oct 2014 #25
Mostly alone alcina Jul 2014 #7
Vent away! and welcome! Habibi Jul 2014 #8
Thank you, Habibi alcina Jul 2014 #9
Isn't it, though? Habibi Jul 2014 #10
wow xecaps Oct 2014 #21
You hit a sore spot with that -- Hell Hath No Fury Aug 2014 #11
Ugh, I'm sorry for your situation. Habibi Aug 2014 #12
Thanks for the support -- Hell Hath No Fury Oct 2014 #13
Venting is good! Habibi Oct 2014 #15
I live with my grandson and his family. I also get help with some of my care. I get rides to health jwirr Oct 2014 #14
Very important to accept help Habibi Oct 2014 #16
I ended up placing her in a foster care home which I was fortunate enough to have trained myself. jwirr Oct 2014 #17
In so many cases Iwillnevergiveup Oct 2014 #18
I *do* have an Aunt nearby Aerows Oct 2014 #26
Going alone Aerows Oct 2014 #19
im alone... samnsara Apr 2017 #27
My brother lives in town, and recently retired, but... LudwigPastorius Mar 2022 #28
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