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playgdough12
playgdough12 Member Posts: 2 Member

I’m in my 40s, unemployed due to disability, and living with my 93-year-old adopted mother, who is in the late stages of vascular dementia. I don’t have children, friends, or a partner, so she is truly all I have.

It’s painful and frightening to watch her decline, and I often feel crushed by the thought of what life will be like when she’s no longer here. The weight of loneliness and isolation ahead feels unbearable.

I don’t always know how to express these feelings, but I wanted to reach out in case others have been in a similar situation and might share how they’ve managed to cope.

Comments

  • cdgbdr
    cdgbdr Member Posts: 277
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    Member

    Your situation is difficult and isolating. If your mom is in late stages, does she qualify for hospice? Her doctor can order this. If so, they can provide supports for you along with managing her care.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,404
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    Member

    so sorry about your Mom. Contact her doctor and request a hospice evaluation. They will reevaluate her every 6 months. They provide so much assistance and supplies for your Mom and counseling and clergy for you. I would also ask your doctor for a referral to a counselor. Talking to someone helps. This online community also helps. Come here often. Hugs. 💜

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,404
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    Member

    PS: you are experiencing anticipatory grief. Many of us dementia caregivers go through that. I heard about this organization on a Facebook group. They have in person and online support groups. https://www.griefshare.org

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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