Is it time for a nursing home?

I was two hours away and I wouldn't recommend it. Is there any possibility of caregivers, mechanical lifts, respite or a close facility in the future?

I still haven’t made the call to the nursing home. I just don’t know if that particular one is right. We may lose the spot on the waiting list. But God’s will be done. I am also still in contact with a hospice nurse who will visit again soon, to see if mom qualifies. We have already begun transitioning to using commode and sponge baths. I’m learning to lift her with a belt. I never thought I’d do any of those things myself, but I’m reluctantly learning. Then there’s dad who also lives with us. He’s plodding away well enough on his own, but his time is coming as well. Thankfully, he doesn’t have Alzheimer’s dementia.

Thanks. That’s my feeling. We’re looking at hospice soon.

Get on the waiting list just in case you can no longer handle the situation - then you would have an option and not feel locked in.

She’s almost to the top of the list, hence the struggle. The next time they call I will have to have a yes or no.

Say yes. I would. You've done everything you could and more, now it's time to let the professionals do their job. Let go with love.

Thank you. That certainly helps if the answer is yes to the nursing home. 💕

Was wondering what has happened since your last post. How is your family doing?

I’m in a similar situation with my dad. He is now End stage Alzheimer’s, with other conditions including CHF and kidney failure. The recent progression was severe and he’s now bedbound and barely verbal. He’s a large man being 6’2 and 230 pounds, so changing and moving him in the bed is difficult. I have arranged for respite care today at a nearby nursing home…..admission soon. On waiting list for permanent placement.

Expect hospice eval next week too. I have been working around the clock caregiving, with some outside help a couple days a week, plus working running my business. My mom has very poor mobility and anxiety and is no real help in caring for my dad anymore. We both are exhausted. Looking forward to a break. My dad has no real QOL now regardless of where he is. I have to work to pay for my health insurance.

Celia,
You are a wonderful, caring daughter.
Trisha

Update: got Hospice eval and decline happened fast. As soon as they sat up the hospital bed, he declined. Having breathing issues…not eating or drinking. Nurse says it’s a matter of hours or days. So, what we were seeing was terminal agitation as I had expected.