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Cannot walk or get out of bed. Wants to move across the country. Ready to "get on an airplane." What do I say to her?

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Well if your mom can't walk nor get out of bed, she'll have one hell of a time getting across the country don't ya think?
Your moms brain is now permanently broken so why are you even entertaining anything that your mom has to say?
When she says that, you just remind her that she is safe and well taken care of where she's at and that you love her very much. And then you change the subject.
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cover9339 Jun 12, 2025
though not much of a life being bedbound
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My MIL was bedbound in LTC for 7 years, in an awesome place. She would often sundown and "want to go home" even though her home had been sold almost a decade ago. I'd tell her the doctor would assess her for release if she could demonstrate all her ADLs, including walking, which insisted she could do. She didn't like this answer but she'd stop asking to leave and we weren't the bad guys saying "no". Then we just changed the subject.
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She is where she needs to be. You wouldn’t let an 8-year-old call the shots in her life, right? Same deal here. Your mom can’t think rationally anymore.
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Give mom a big smile and let her know your love and care. This plan will never happen but the fantasy won’t hurt her, it also needs no discussion. Thankful she’s safe and cared for
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Nope. Hard no. Unless you want to move her to a facility that is closer to you.

You can stop answering her calls if they are driving you crazy and she is stuck on this loop. Just check in with the facility a few times a week.
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Just tell her you will check with the doctor but you are pretty sure it will be no. She needs to be where she is for now.
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If she's been there for 11 years and is now bedbound with dementia, don't move her. If you were to move her to a facility closer to you she probably would not acclimate to it.

How far gone is she with dementia? Would she be able to understand that if she gets moved it will be to a care facility in your area and not into your house. If she wouldn't be able to understand this, then make something up like your landlord won't allow another person to be on the lease. Or you're looking or a different place.
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Susie,

Glad to see you back on the forum. You asked basically the same question last month only this time you clarified that mom was actuslly living in IL for 11 yrs and is now in the SNF. So how long has she been bed bound and living in SNF? How long has she had to become acclimated? The SNF can be totally different from the Independent living even if in the same campus. Was your dad living with her before he passed? Her life has totally changed.

Did you try any of the suggestions you received last time and if so, how did it go?

Dementia symptoms can come and go like a flickering lamp that gets dimmer as time goes by. So mom may be sharp and with it one day and not so much the next time you speak with her.

You have to meet her where she is cognitively. One day she will accept “when the doctor says that you are all better you can go home”, another day she might call BS on it. Also the time of day you call can make a difference. Perhaps keep a journal and make a few notes when you talk to her to see if you can tell the better times to call. Early mornings, after her bath, etc. and which answers seem to reassure her. And remember that if she has short term memory, you will get another chance on the next call to polish your lines. that can be in 5 minutes or next week.

Teepa Snow gives tips on how to interact with dementia patients. Many of us have found her advice helpful. You can find info and videos about her on YouTube. Just copy and paste that in your browser and AI will fill you in.

How long have you lived far away from mom? How often do you see her? Does she have other family who live nearby and visit? Are you her POA? Just trying to get a clearer picture of your situation with mom. If you are the daughter who moved away that can always put a smile on moms face and a sibling is her close by POA, then you might want to get on the same page with what mom is being told by others.

I think if she is alone except for you and you want to move her into a SNF closer to you, that has some merit. I don’t think you should move her in with you. If she is on Medicaid or will be soon, there are many challenges to such a move.

You are grieving for your father and you need a minute before trying to make any big decisions and that one is as big as they come. Hugs for you and mom.
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I try and change the subject. My mother is in a SNF, she has a very difficult time getting up, when she does she uses a walker. She still talks about taking driving lessons (her license was revoked due to not passing the eye exam 5 years ago) and says ‘I gotta get out of here.’ I ask her ‘so what’s the plan? You can walk right outta here if you want to’ she has no follow up answer. She never planned to get old (80) says she still feels young, yet let herself gain weight so her legs barely move and didn’t save a dime. Poor decision making.
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I cannot provide the care you need.
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