Follow
Share

Anyone else been in this situation? I am with her now She will need rehab after hospital. I have no idea how long. Feeling very homesick and trapped. My brothers come and go but I am expected to stay while she is still in hospital and beyond.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Hunt everyone feels lonely abandoned and frightened when they are in hospital for an extended period of time. Add to that the reason she ended up where she is and the future treatment she may need.
Unless you actually want to be tied to Mom's bedside and she doesn't depend on you for things like feeding when you brothers arrive leave and tell them you will be back at a certain time. Make sure Mom has plenty of things to occupy her like books,magazines a laptop if she usually has one. Most hospitals these days have free wi fi. Many people when they are very ill like to spend a lot of time sleeping so make sure when she is out of bed she has a comfortable chair to sit in like a recliner and snacks if she is allowed. Hubby brought me in a tiny fridge with things like my favorite yogurt. We tucked it in a corner and plugged it in and the staff had no problem with that. Sitting out of bed in a chair for some reason in an uncomfortable chair in a noisy environment is felt to speed your recovery rather than resting comfortably in bed is beyond me. of course it is necessary to be up and moving for many reasons but I fail to see why resting in bed is so bad if you are more comfortable.
But I digress. Unless your Mom is critically ill there is no reason other than her desire for you to spent all your time at the bedside. Do not put your life on hold because it will be only the beginning of Mom's continued neediness. Establishing boundaries early will pay off in the end. just make sure you know and understand what the Drs are up to and question anything you are unsure about. Every patient needs a friend or family advocate these days. If Mom has hobbies such as crochet she can of course do that if she is able. An Artist will have more problems but there are many adult coloring books these days which might be an option.Kniting can be small easily projects like baby booties. Be creative and think outside the box
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

So, Hunt, it's up to you to say to your brothers " I need to get back home on Monday. My family needs me". You can keep in touch with the hospital by phone, now that the crisis is over.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Can you ask the hospital discharge planner if you can have her transported to a rehab near your home? All hospitals have social workers who help with rehab placement. Some of them more helpful than others. Keep asking until you get a scenario that will work for you......and if you need to go home for a few days....get one of the brothers family to stay and give you a break.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

My sis works at an AL and I have discovered this scenario is much more common than we realize, many of their short term stays are for people who have been in automobile accidents, payment courtesy of their insurance.
Your mother may never recover enough to return to her former lifestyle, so I think you need to practice setting some boundaries now. Your brothers get to come and go and you do not? Why is that? I understand the need to be near while she is in crisis, but there is nothing wrong with leaving her in the hands of the pros at rehab while you take time some away. If you can not commute at all due to distance then I would look at finding some type of accommodation that allows you to feel more at home and able to decompress while you are there... you might ask the SW at the hospital or rehab if they have any suggestions.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I'm wondering if your mom can be transported by ambulance when the time comes?

Who is making these decisions? "No" is a complete sentence, dear. Remember that.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Setting boundaries is all about recognizing there is a difference between what others expect of you and what you are able and willing to give. Just because your brothers have nominated you as the family's indentured servant doesn't mean you have to accept the position. Of course you wanted/needed to be there in a crisis, beyond that you need to learn to say NO.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I'm so sorry this has happened! What an awful situation.

You say " I am expected to stay...". By whom? By mom? Your brothers?

If mom will need rehab, perhaps she can be transferred to a facility nearer your home. We did that with my mom, after she was released from the hospital after a stroke.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I've always found that when my mom is in the hospital, I'm in crisis mode. It's hard, sometimes, after you realize that the worst has past, to get back into planning mode. Planning mode means doing what is best and doable FOR EVERYONE, not just the patient.

Things can be " good enough".
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

My mom has broken ribs so they feel the 15 hour car ride home will have to wait awhile. She had a perforated diaphragm that allowed her intestines to move into her chest cavity, she also had her spleen removed. Flying is out of the question due to the use of the chest tube.

We haven't met with a social worker yet but spoke to him once. I guess he will get more involved once we get closer to the rehab stage?

Had my first meltdown last night. It's hard not knowing how long she and I will be here. I can't help but be angry that my brothers can come and go as they please but I am expected to remain here indefinitely. Then I am to live with her when she goes home until she can live independently. Nobody discussed any of this with me, it is simply assumed because I don't have a "real" job and my kids are older than my brothers kids. I feel like I will never see my home, Hubby, kids and dogs again. I feel like a monster for feeling this way. Thanks for letting me vent.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Getting her home is a long way off. I know we aren't the first family to have a loved one seriously injured far away from their homes but it is very scary.

To answer the question about who decided I would be the one to stay with her full time...there was no discussion between me and my brothers. It was simply assumed and I was given no choice. Everyone just assumes that because I am the only daughter I will be the one who remains with her for as long as she needs care. Everyone else will help when they can. It's like my life and my family do not matter any more.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter