How or what to say to my mom who wants to die? She is 95 and pretty healthy but is just tired of life and I guess missing my dad.

Often the days can stretch long when you've outlived your friends and spouse. I think that what you both need is to something to look forward to, make a routine of simple things that can fill her days like at trip to the local senior's centre, library (audio books are great), coffee at the mall or local coffee shop, religious services or any other neighbourhood activities that can get you out the door.

Is your mom's depression being treated?

Does she go to a Senior Center or any kinds of activities for elders outside the apartment? That would be an opportunity for you both to have a break!

Can you leave her on her own for an hour or two so you can walk to the library or to a city rec center for exercise?

Do you know anyone who lives in nearby apartments?

Yikes, without a vehicle your options are pretty limited! My heart goes out to you both. I am Bipolar too. So glad you came here, keep coming back, this is a great community of caring people and surely you will find some help here.

I have one suggestion you might consider and that is to involve yourselves with a local church. I don't know what your faith background is, but I would imagine that if you call one of the local churches and say that you and your mom would like to attend services but have no transportation, somebody will arrange to come and get you. Then before you know it you will have all sorts of activities to be involved in such as church suppers or Bingo or ladies' aid societies. Worth a try anyway, eh?

Yes. I have known a few who are just tired of the whole thing and can hardly wait to go. Nobody wants to outlive all their friends and family

You know, I understand what your mom is saying. She does not have a death wish or a plan, she is just ready to go anytime now. Sometimes life gets so difficult that you come to terms with dying. I know for me I am ready to go at anytime now. As I have aged I have developed a lit of health issues be and my quality of life has become a struggle!! I hardly get out of bed much less out if the house!! It is what it is, I know, but the future holds quite a few surgeries for me, and I don't know if I have another recovery in me?!? Also I had a very good life up until 11 years ago. Dad hung himself and my entire way if life changed. It became a hard life with homelessness, illness, legal problems and just a great deal of anguish and misery!! I finally have experienced life as a reality! But I am tired and if I went tomorrow it would be ok, I've had a good and interesting life now and I am at peace with the prospect of death!! So just try to be understanding with your mom. There is nothing wrong her, she probably is just tired!!

My mom says the same thing. She's 85 and has a lot of health issues and is wheelchair bound. She's always saying she wants to die. I know she's depressed because she can't really do anything. Also, she's list several friends and family members the last couple of years. I just tell her that God isn't ready for her yet and it's not her time yet.

Needabreak,

I found a hairstylist that will come to the house for my mom, age 93. She is like your mom. Does not participate in anything.

My hairstylist that also cut mom’s hair did not want to cut hair outside of the salon so I googled hair salons. Luck was on my side. The very first salon I called the woman who answered the phone said, “Sure, I can come to your house. I go to nursing homes as well!” She has a heart for shut ins. She cuts hair beautifully. Has owned her salon for many years and adores my mother. Mom is very pleased with her. Best part! She charges much less than salon prices, $25.00! I tip her well! Even though she doesn’t expect it. She is an angel. We just love her. Call around, explain your situation like I did. You may get lucky. Take care. Hard to be cooped up.