We hear the story repeatedly from adult children who are overwhelmed, exhausted, and overcome by guilt. Desperately looking for solutions for their parent’s safety, wellbeing, and quality of life, yet unsure where to start, who can help, and even what they need. For one such family, their long emotional journey resulted in a great sense of security and peace.
Living alone, mother had been reclusive for so long that no one saw it as a problem. Fiercely independent, she had called every shot since she became a widow twenty years ago.
As her health declined, it was hard for her children to see. Living outside the area, they found that communicating over the phone provided only one viewpoint. She was good at masking her problems, but had experienced serious nutritional decline, depression, and significant memory loss.
When she was hospitalized with an intestinal problem, her daughters found themselves facing a maze of challenges and decisions. They came home and tried to navigate several hospital stays, surgery, medication changes, and diagnoses they felt ill-informed about. Through it all, their mother was completely out of touch with what was happening. Wanting to go home, she angrily fought her daughters every step of the way. “She had always trusted us before, but her dementia took away that trust.”
Trying to please her, they took her home and stayed with her. Suddenly responsible for her medications, understanding her ailments, and learning how to care for her was daunting. Over the course of her illness, she had experienced a urinary tract infection, delirium, sundowning, and C. diff. After days of struggling at home, they had to take her back to the hospital. “We were on the emotional front line trying to make decisions but not understanding it all. It was extremely heart-wrenching for my sister and me. But we had to think with our love for her. Despite everything, our love for her had to keep her safe.”
Within a few weeks, she was transferred to Grace Rehabilitation and Health Center for a short-term care stay. “At Grace, everyone acted so positive—we felt like we had delivered her to heaven.” After living in a constant state of emergency, they could finally relinquish control. “The nursing staff just took it all on,” they noted. “They were able to locate the problems contributing to our mother’s decline while the medical team reduced her medications to a proper regimen for her situation.” For the first time in months, their mother began to show signs of improvement.
As she continued to gain independence in her rehabilitation program, her daughters planned for her move to Cribbs Residential Center. They knew she could not return to her isolated environment. Here she could have her own apartment, the services she needed, and socialization. “At home, she was being fed her social life through the TV. In the community, she met people and wanted to be around them.” Once she moved, her daughters saw how she flourished as she interacted with new friends. “Now she is going to events and day trips. It’s amazing to see her come alive and be inspired again.”
If this story resonates with you and you’re seeking support, guidance, or care solutions for someone you love, please reach out to us at 814-332-9009. We’re here to help you find the peace of mind you and your family.