My mom(91) was diagnosed with dementia 7 years ago. 3 years she was independent but I still cooked and cared for her and for the last 4 years i cared for her every day in my home. Presently she is mostly highly delusional, dosen't know family members or even me anymore and has occasional accidents that refuses to wear diapers! She is mobile but wobbly and needs a cane or walker. Physically still in good shape but weak and had a recent good result on her blood work(thank god for a great nutrition and care since 4 years ago).
I have sever spine degeneration(5 disks) myself and already burned out after 4 years of home care by me alone 24/7! I have been having sever anxiety and feeling depressed bc of not having any breaks at all! My mom has Medicare and Medical(California Medicaid) and zero assets for any future facilities expenses. I stopped working to care for her and my poor husband has to work 3 jobs now! We both are so burned out that makes me extremely worried. No breaks or vacations for the last 4 years just work! If I show any exhaustion, she says are you trying to get rid of me? That breaks my heart and creates feelings of tremendous guilt. I don't know what to do presently to at least get one week away without any issues!
I also have to prepare myself for her placement(which I have no knowledge about) for the near future! The way things are going down fast, I'm very scared and anxious for planning for her future care, especially after I read all of other posts! Considering my own health too which is not good, I need to do something fast to put me at ease so my physical and mental conditions won't get any worse.
Trusting someone and financial aspect of the care are the main issues here and ofcourse I'm afraid she gets worse if I leave her somewhere or at home with someone I don't know. I have no family support or siblings to help. I even consider taking mom with us to a getaway. My husband dosen't want to go anywhere with her! I tell him it's "my emergency". I know it's a job within a vacation but what else can you do? Any helpful inputs if you've done that?
Has anyone had a situation like me with no breaks for so long? What did you do to help yourself not getting worse if couple of hours of breaks a week to run your errands is not helping anymore? How do you take a break/getaway in my case? Any suggestions?
Thank you.