I'm at home looking after my Mom, in between doing a part time job and walking my greyhound (my best friend, as it turns out). I try and do all the housework, sort out doctor's appointments and make sure Mom is clean, tidy and warm. I do have a brother whose contribution seems to be a few phone calls, the odd birthday card and giving me a lot of unwanted advice!! Recently, though, I really haven't been getting enough sleep as Mom gets up in the night to bang on my bedroom door, shout out "Are you OK? Are you asleep?" then opens the door and wanders in. I'm then wide awake until the morning. She says I'm being ridiculous and imagining things. Then I'm up to clean up the messy bathroom and another day begins. Life isn't much fun and I wish I had more help. Love her dearly but she's wearing me out.
i went through the same thing with my Mother. I consulted with her primary care Dr & Neurologist. They prescribed a low dose Xanax to be taken at night.
It was just enough to calm the agitation and let us all get some sleep which helped keeping everything calm.
Check that it wouldn’t be a problem with anything else she is taking, but it may help you both.
Best wishes.
But do not even think anyone will help--- especially family. Most family has no concept of the great responsibility of caring for a Mom with dementia.
i know your plight well. I don’t know if THC or CBD is legal in your state but you might try giving her an edible of THC. Worked wonderful for my mom and she sleeps through the night now. It takes anywhere from 1 to 3 hours after its ingested to take effect.
Now i only give her about twice twice a week and she still sleeps through.
Dementia is so hard to deal with. I now video her doctor appts so when she argues about what said I show her the video.
Good luck and do try to find some respite or you will start resenting her. I think hospice will come stay for a couple of days.
I have been there and I got sick, now I have anxiety and.sometimes panic attack. You need help,.time.out for yourself. I hope you can get social.services to help.you navigate and get you some assistant
Babies grow up and become independent children that sleep through the night. Older adults regress and need more attention.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion and deserve to live life as a martyr but most people would definitely disagree with you.
Our health is equally important to the elder. Some caregivers drop dead! Is that a viable option? Don’t think so.
I agree with idea of seeing if she can take something to help her sleep a bit and keep her from bothering you so often.
Have someone stay overnight at least a few times a week so you can sleep.
If all else fails, you may have to consider putting her somewhere. It could be better for both of you.
Sorry you are dealing with this.
1 - Make sure she only gets short cat naps during the day - 30 minutes or less. Then, she will be tired at night.
2 - Additional exercise for mom will also help to tire her out.
3 - Ask doctor for some sleeping medications. Try Benadryl 25 mg by mouth at bedtime.
4 - If all else fails, hire a sitter to be with her at night so you can get 7 hours of good sleep.