Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
I thinkyour husband is right.
ive lived with someone with dementia because her daughter couldn't cope after six years of having her live with her at her home and its got so bad emotionally it was hard to watch to see how much her condition has taken everything from her.

I had her move in with me and it got to point where even I couldn't cope she has gone to a well good home since and we visit it all the time but she cant even walk and doesn't know who we are.

I know what your going through and its a kind gesture and all what your trying to do but it will mess your health and emotionally take it out of you.
I thought about what I did and it didn't do any good despite doing the best we all could. and I think about when I wasn't not well and I need help who's there for me?? carers care but who cares for the carer?

They need 24/7 care and you cant turn your back for a second its harder than its made out to be especially when they move into your home its nothing like working with them at a home because end of shift people can leave and go home and live a normal life but its exceptionally harder when its a loved one.

if you let her move in id urged you it should only be for a small amount of time.

I'm sorry if my advice isn't great but Id wanna make sure you do right thing but think of the welfare for yourself and your family because believe me when I tell you its not a walk in the park.

I'm 25 and I'm so knackered that most days I'm very depressed now and am going through other things too.
hope you do right thing and look after yourself. 
Helpful Answer (20)
Report

Danielle, I'm sorry your poor grandmother is feeling so unhappy; but you need to realise that putting her into your home wouldn't cure that. She *still* wouldn't know where she was, it would still frighten her, but the difference would be that 24/7 you'd be responsible for dealing with her fear.

Your husband is right, this is way too much work. Grit your teeth, visit her on a regular schedule, turn your phone off when the calls get too much (give the NH an alternative number for emergencies), and wait for this phase to pass. I hope it'll be soon.
Helpful Answer (42)
Report

If your husband is vehemently opposed, how can you consider this?
Helpful Answer (28)
Report

I might have professionals evaluate her to see what level of care that she needs. If she is crying hysterically all through the day, I would have her evaluated by a geriatric psychiatrist. Mental distress is just as painful as physical pain. I'd explore what treatment there might be to help her feel better. My LO, who suffered with Vascular Dementia, also had a lot of anxiety and depression. Daily meds really helped her feel better and she became very content, without feeling drowsy at all. Also, keep in mind that your grandma likely calls so much because she forgets that she just called. So, a plan should be worked out to address this.

I would caution you that people with dementia can't be left alone for even a short time, past the early stages. They are like a toddler. They often have sleep disorders and stay up all night, they normally become incontinent and have to be changed every couple of hours, and may ingest non-food items, mishandle appliances, or harm themselves by accident. I'd read a lot about what their care entails and discuss it with your family, before taking this on. I would also question having a young child with you as you care for her, because often they lose control of their boundaries and filters and their behavior may be unpredictable. It's a lot to consider.

I'd question if the facility she is in is watching her enough. That many calls of her in distress is disturbing. Why haven't they tried to address this? I'd arrange a meeting and get their input. Maybe, they aren't equipped to handle someone with her progression. Is this an Assisted Living or Nursing Home? I found that a Memory Care facility served my LO so much better. She got the constant attention that she needed and really settled down when she arrived there. If the resident is not getting the proper level of care, they seem to be less content, imo.

I'd read a lot of the personal stories on this site about others who are doing what you are considering. It will give you a lot to think about.  
Helpful Answer (15)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter