well, my mom is losing it again... - Democratic Underground

NC_Nurse

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:28 PM
Original message

well, my mom is losing it again...

she thinks she's in the 70's and she's being mean and hitting my dad.
She's always been an abusive alcoholic. My poor dad is 71 years old and taking care of her and my
autistic/mentally retarded brother. I'm thinking I need to go there and stop the madness.
Or try anyaway...

I'm not sure what to do....we have bills to pay and I have patients here too....

Little help? :cry:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

NC_Nurse

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:38 PM
Response to Original message

1. Hello?

She has vascular dementia....in case you weren't sure what the deal was....

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

lizziegrace

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:40 PM
Response to Original message

2. How far away are they from you?

I'm so sorry your father's dealing with all this alone. Does he have any kind of support system there? Friends? Church? Relatives?

Being far away when family needs you (and you still must survive) is so very hard.

:hug:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

NC_Nurse

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:45 PM
Response to Reply #2

5. They live about 6 hours away...

No. not big churchgoers.
some friends....many my mom ran off with her drinking.
relatives.... uh no. my brother is disabled. my dad is an only child. My mom's brother could give a shit.
Thanks. I am sick over this.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

petronius

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:41 PM
Response to Original message

3. Damn - that's awful...

Don't even know what to say except :hug: ... Hope it gets better soon!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

NC_Nurse

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:45 PM
Response to Reply #3

6. Thanks.

It helps, it really does.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

mentalsolstice

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:43 PM
Response to Original message

4. Perhaps call...

the local NAMI (Nat'l Alliance for the Mentally Ill) where your parents are. Perhaps they help find some respite care for your dad until you can get to them to sort it out.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

NC_Nurse

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:46 PM
Response to Reply #4

7. Hey, that's a good idea.

Thank you.

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

wildhorses

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:49 PM
Response to Reply #4

8. yes, your father needs respite or this will bring him down

Edited on Mon Jan-22-07 07:49 PM by wildhorses

physically, mentally and emotionally. basically he is working 24/7...nobody can keep up that pace for long....

:hug:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

NC_Nurse

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:50 PM
Response to Reply #8

9. I feel so bad that I'm not there..

;(

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

wildhorses

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 08:14 PM
Response to Reply #9

12. oh sweetie--did not mean to make you feel guilty--

just wanted you to know the gravity of the situation as far as your father's health is concerned.
i know cos my family just went through this same thing with my grandparents. just get him some help. :hug::hug::hug:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

mentalsolstice

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 08:32 PM
Response to Reply #9

13. Absolutely DO NOT feel bad!

I've seen this situation so many times, both professionally, and personally. You're doing the best you can do. Even by posting here, you're asking for information and resources! I don't know how far away (distance) you are from you're family, but it looks like you're doing all the right things, and you recognize the problems. Get help from those who can possibly help you. It is so hard when a person has a mental illness. Believe me, if you're 10 miles away, that situation has it's own special set of problems, as it does when you're a 1000 miles away.

You're sooo in my thoughts right now!

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

SeattleGirl

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:52 PM
Response to Original message

10. NC, I'm sorry you are faced with this.

I like the suggestion of calling NAMI for some assistance for your family.

Hope things work out very soon. :hug:

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

NC_Nurse

(1000+ posts) Send PM | Profile | Ignore

Mon Jan-22-07 07:58 PM
Response to Reply #10

11. Thank you so much.

I am the only nurse in a family of aging and disabled folks. Sometimes I get overwhelmed....

Printer Friendly | Permalink | | Top

DU AdBot (1000+ posts)

Wed May 01st 2024, 04:43 AM
Response to Original message

Advertisements [?]

Top

Powered by DCForum+ Version 1.1 Copyright 1997-2002 DCScripts.com
Software has been extensively modified by the DU administrators

Important Notices: By participating on this discussion board, visitors agree to abide by the rules outlined on our Rules page. Messages posted on the Democratic Underground Discussion Forums are the opinions of the individuals who post them, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of Democratic Underground, LLC.