About a month after my mother went to a assisted living memory care facility a roommate was added to her room, which I clearly understood was going to happen when my mother moved the facility. The lady they moved in was in pretty bad shape when she arrived and did not have any family to help her. She had no possessions, not even clothes, and the only relative who would have anything to do with her is her very elderly mother who is not in good shape herself. So, I gave the lady clothes, blankets, a nightstand, tissues, shoes, reading glasses...it goes on and on. Also, I buy about $60.00 worth of drinks and snacks a week, which my mother shares with her. She also uses my mothers cell phone and watches my mothers TV and Netfilx. I've been glad to help her and I've done everything she asked. I've talked with her elderly mother a couple of times who is really kind and appreciative. However, now she is having some sort of trouble with her finances and getting the money from her account to pay her bills. She only has a debit card with some online bank and no checking account. Now she is asking me to take her to Walmart so she can get money orders to pay her room and board at the facility. I don't feel comfortable with this at all because I think this is something her power of attorney should help her with. However, it appears she as refused a power of attorney and the situation between her and the facility manager has become complicated. I told her mother I was glad to help her, but could not get involved in her personal financial matters. The ladies daughter wants nothing to do with her and her elderly mother is in quite despair over the whole thing now. I just can't start putting her in my car once a month and driving her to tend to her financial matters, I just can't. It's not my place. Although her family has completely disowned her, somebody need to step in and help this lady. I'm contemplating asking the facility manager to move my mother to another room, but they get along well and are good company to each other. What should I do? Is there any organization I can refer her to to get some help with her situation?
It sounds like you and your mom have shared some really good times, which your sisters will never know...but, yes....consider yourself lucky in a way because if they were in contact it is very likely they would be be interfering in your efforts to care for her. I've read stories about feuding siblings so many times on this site.
It's hard to be a caregiver alone, but sure helps to keep the drama to a minimum. :)