Hello again!

[meterr]

hi! It's me, Terri, aka Meterr. I've been a member for a while but have not participated in a long time. Some may remember I was caring for my mother who has Alzheimer's dementia. She lived with us for a few years. She has progressively gotten worse with her memory and being able to do things. When she first got her she would craft, make meals for herself, and basically do all her own self-care. Recently she can't toilet herself anymore and has such bad arthritis in her knees that she can't walk anymore. She can't write anymore or craft and has stopped reading books. She still talks to us and can remember the past but has issues with her short-term memory. I have placed her in a facility where my daughter is a CNA to give her all the help she needs, physical therapy, as well as friends there. She shares a room with another lady who is really nice to her. They are buddies now. I do feel a lot of guilt for sending her there but I have an arm injury now that needs to be looked at and my home was not set up for her to shower etc. I feel kind of conflicted as to what I did. I have to go to court a few times for this too, which makes me very nervous as I have anxiety. Prayers and good thoughts are appreciated. If anyone would like to send Mom a card, please let me know. She misses getting mail. I think I'm back to scrap again, so cross your fingers I can join in!

 

[littlekiwi]

@meterr I totally understand what you've been through - my 86 year old grandmother is going through very similar and it's tough on everyone especially when things aren't going well. Really hope you get some crafty time and time to hang out with us here more too.

 

[ninigoesdigi]

It definitely can't be easy and I'm sorry for her and for you but you also have to know when you have to let go in order to give the appropriate care and I see that you have. Also nobody can say that they even have family in the facility so it is probably more reinsuring than for most.
I am not talking from experience but I have heard my share of stories of sacrifices, pain and overwhelming situations.

I hope you can find some peace of hear too and enjoy scrap to remember the good times and keep the memories in her place.

Good luck and welcome back!

 

[Cath_]

You truly are a blessed soul, for all you have done for her up to this point. Please don't feel guilty.

 

[Laura ODonnell]

Terri you have been through so much and you are taking such good care of your mom. I’m glad you came back to TLP. scrapbooking is a such a gratitude practice I hope it will raise your spirits. Sending prayers.

 

[cfile]

Welcome back Terri. So sorry about your Mom but you have done everything you can to keep her at home as long as you could. I am glad she will be where your daughter is a CNA, so that I am sure gives you a lot of reassurance and comfort to know that her care is being overseen more closely with you not able to be caring for her yourself. Take care of you re your arm and feel better soon. I know that getting back to scrapping will be great therapy for you too.. creativity helps so much. Prayers to you, and again, Welcome back!

 

[Karen]

That's so great that your daughter will be there to care for her and keep on eye on her too! Alzheimer's is just dreadful and so hard on caregivers. Bless you for taking the best care of her and for knowing when she needed more care than you could provide. Absolutely no reason to feel bad about doing what's best for her. Glad you're able to make your way back here for a creative outlet for yourself too!

 

[jk703]

Welcome back, Teri! She would understand, and I don't think she would want you to feel guilty at all! We do the best we can at each moment! Many hugs!

 

[HeatherB]

Welcome back, Terri, and bless you for all that you have done for your mom and for recognizing when she needed more care than you can give. So sorry that you are feeling anxious and guilty about this, but it sounds like she really is in the best place possible. Sending you virtual hugs!

 

[IntenseMagic]

Hi Terri! It's so good to see you!! Bless your heart for doing all you can to care for your mom. It's so difficult, but please don't feel guilty. We do the best we can and it sounds like you have found the very best care for her. Sending you lots of love and hugs! I would love to send your mom a card or maybe some of the students in my classroom could make her one if you think she would like that. Just let me know

 

[scrapsandsass]

Big hugs.

 

[umyesh]

Praying for you Terri! You are doing a good job caring for your mother. I hope your arm heals and you are able to scrap again.