Just got a call from my sister in Tucson. Mother is back in the ER, this time it looks like she may have to go to a nursing home or assisted living facility of some sort. When I talked with her the other day she seemed a little more out of it than usual, but I thought she might just be tired or worn out because her sister-in-law passed away last week, and the funeral was on Sat. (I think.... she wasn't clear on that either) Some positive thoughts/prayers/whatever sent to her in Tucson would be nice. I don't expect her to be with us much longer, but we never do know.
Pati, just possibly a word of encouragement, my father had to be put in a nursing home back in November. When he was home, he wasn't eating well or taking care of himself, either. After they have worked with him with all kinds of therapy he is so much better. I think (hope) he will actually be able to come back home soon and just be checked on during the day. I think the therapy and good nutrition helped him a whole lot. Prayers sent for your mom.
Thanks everyone. Got an update last night. Mom is in the hospital because she is, at the moment, needing constant attendance from someone. There isn't anyone who can do that at home. The Tucson hospitals are pretty full at the moment too. My sister isn't doing real well herself, she is just recovering from the flu (and has MS too). And her oldest (she just told me all this last night) son ended up with a hospital stay because of dehydration from the flu. And he doesn't have insurance, was supposed to graduate from college this year but ended up being dropped from a couple of classes so will have to finish next year. sigh. He is freaking out because of the hospital bill. So that is more worry.
The story with Mother is that she has a urinary tract infection. Is dehydrated, and not eating like she should. She also has some Parkinson's and such. She will be going into a care facility for evaluation sometime soon. And will probably need to go into some sort of assisted living facility with constant care available. The trouble is finding one that is good. (There are several "not good" ones in Tucson, unfortunately.) We aren't sure if the disorientation/forgetfulness is due to the UTI or the Parkinson's or early dementia. That is part of what the evaluation is for. I am trying to deal with all this, understanding that Mother is not going to get a whole lot better and there isn't much of anything I can do. My health issues mean I can't do a lot for her, and I can't afford to go down there all the time, or move down there or anything. So that is rough on me. I feel some guilt about all of it, but I also know that I dealt with stuff growing up (as the eldest of 4 kids) and just can't do it all. But I still have this sense of responsibility..... and it hurts.
Need to e-mail my brother and other sister too. They are back in Pennsylvania and Virginia so are too far away to deal with all of this too.
Thanks again for your good thoughts and for letting me vent a bit.
Pati, these 2 symptoms are very common for older people with a UTI---matter of fact, that's how the infection is picked up. They come to the hospital due to disorientation and the UTI is found. I hope that's all it is for your mom. This can be cured. Keeping you in my thoughts. Gen
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