After conversations with a few friends today, I have more information than I had yesterday---and maybe a better understanding of my mom's options for care after she's discharged. My sweet Tina gave me a lengthy pep talk on the phone, wonderful given her job at a hospital of doing exactly what we're involved in now. Incredible the information she had to share. And Amy emailing me with her own knowledge, partly helped by her care for her mom at home a couple of years ago. And finally by JoAnn whose dad was our elderly neighbor who died this year, a life-long stroke sufferer---he had more strokes than anyone I've ever known.
Now to make sure my brothers are on the same page, one not being aware that anything's going on. He thinks she's coming here on Friday, and I had to be honest with myself and realize that's not realistic if I want to keep my sanity. Not kidding.
Number one---to find a place for mom to get more intensive therapy. To give us time to get her house in order, and be aware of what is ahead of us. To use every resource available in care and rehabilitation for her.
This is all just an update. Still overwhelmed, and need to talk to Mom tomorrow to apprise her of the change of plan, how I'm seeing my own limitations, and to share with her that we believe she'll heal better and quicker if her treatment is more intense. She's got to want it, though. I have a sneaking suspicion she thinks she can be home and have a cozy stay (wherever she is) and that that will be her life. I know this has been hard and exhausting, but that's the reality. I think if she came here, she'd get content with the minimum of improvement, and for me, that just isn't good enough.
