It is becoming painfully obvious to me that my mom is mentally declining. Things are starting to not add up. She can't remember what she tells people. And it's important stuff like when we went to buy a car for her recently, and she said she couldn't remember if she had given the sales man her social security number and other pertinent information....Not good.
How do you discuss with your parent that you fear for her safety driving when that is the only means of independence she still possesses?
Or, that you are worried that she is no longer capable of dealing with the rest of the world safely? I may have power of attorney, but that doesn't change the fact that she is still very independent.
It's a real rock and a hard place. I really thought I wouldn't have kids, I guess this is fate's way of making me live that experience anyway.
Sad.
She is really healthy otherwise. At 70, almost 71, she is great otherwise. It's just that the tables are turned and it really is a challenge to stay clam and not get frustrated. She can't help it.
Good air in...Bad air out.
It is really painful to watch such decline in someone you care for so deeply. It is so painful to watch when someone you love begins to fall apart.
How is it that the parent goes away only to be replaced by someone so uninformed?
1 comment:
This is a tough one, Lisa.
My mother decided to move into a retirement community mostly so her kids wouldn't have to deal with this kind of question. But Karen's dad had a very tough time giving up. He used to go and sit in his car with the engine running for a couple of years after he was forced to actually stop driving it (because he would get lost whenever he left). Driving is an especially big deal because, as you say, it is all about independence. One advantage of the retirement communities is that they provide a lot of activities and choices--and the clients don't have to feel helpless. Of course, one problem is they cost a fortune.
Rob
Post a Comment