My mother in law lives in an independent senior apartment but I am the one who takes her to her doctors, the bank, shopping, etc. Frankly, I

Where is your husband in all of this? She is HIS mother. He needs to step up to the plate and talk to his sister.

Call a family meeting. If people can't be there is person, then have them call in. Get a speaker phone. Have an agenda with everything that "mom" needs done. As time goes on, your mother-in-law will require even more assistance, not less.

Have a plan for an Assisted Care facility or at least check around to find out what they cost, if mom can afford it, etc.

Caring for an elderly parent is a family affair not the sole responsibility of the most responsible family member. If the daughter can not be there to help in person, then she can send money for respite care.

Does anyone have good methods of dealing with fecal incontinence? I am at my wits end. I feel like my own life is over. Sharon

My mother also lives in an assisted living facility (ALF) and THEY take her to doctor appointments. She goes in for quarterly blood draws which don't require much discussion with the physician. When discussion IS required my brother and I take turns meeting the van driver at the doctors office and helping her to the office and then talk to the doctor. Use ALL of those services offered by the ALF; that's what they are for and it's likely that your mom in law is paying for it anyway!

CindyHawk54: Get over it. There are services at most independent living facilities for transportation into town. There she can drop off her own laundry/dry cleaning and pick up her meds, get a haircut etc. The few needs that she has now will seem miniscule compared to what she will need in the future. Try to be more serving and change that attitude! Believe me, when she's gone (and she will be gone someday) you will realize that the help that you can give her will be rewarding psychologically for you and your other relatives, who should help by the way. It seems that a driver is her most immediate need right now. Well do it, dear.
Norene

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Cindy,
Most of us don't judge. We don't know what is going on in your life. If no one else can help, hire someone to lighten the load. Get your husband to pitch in, but don't feel down about your feelings. We have all been there. Some of us just forget what it is like, especially in the beginning when this whole caregiver thing is so new to us. Good luck
Linda