need advice or someone to listen to me :(

[ruckusluvr]

My mom has lost her mind. and she has not been able to hold down a job because of being sick and hurting.

My mother has lived through cancer twice. The first cancer was breast cancer but it spread a couple of places. She was treated. 20 years later it comes back. and was treated. she has been through chemo and radiation for two different cancers.

Because of that, and my mothers weight, she is weak, tired all of the time, and is unable to lift,bend, and carry things.

My mother is also schizophrenic and is not taking medication because she does not have insurance and cannot afford her meds. I am sure there is some way she can get them, but I am not sure how and she does not know how to look into it. She goes through phases when she is VERY forgetful and confused. and then she will snap out of it.

I honestly do not think she should be working. But of course that is for a doctor to decided.

She at the ER right now having an episode.

She has been to the doctor before about these things. They said that she cannot draw SSI or disability because she is working, and needs to be off work for 6 months before applying for SSI or disability. Is this true? Who do we talk to and how do we find out what we need to do to get her assistance?

Mom cannot pay her rent, by food, gas in her car, and care for her animals. It looks like she can no longer work so she has to move in with my husband and I. Can we get any assistance with her living with us? can we claim her as a dependent on our taxes? could she get food stamps while living with us? Who do we need to talk to about this?

And her animals....
She has a 11 yr old shih tzu that leaks urine. We will be new homeowners in June, and the thought of my new house smelling like pee is painful! I guess I can put diapers on her? And mom says that Ruby (shih tzu) will only eat canned food. I looked at her teeth, they look great for her age! there is not reason she cannot eat dry food! canned is too expensive for me to feed. Wont Ruby eventually give in and start eating dry food?
And then there is the cat. The cat is no problem, cats are easy!
but Gunner... mom's husky mix. I am not sure if she can keep him! I have posted about him before. He is very hyper and is not treat or toy motivated. he pulls on walks sooooo bad and he is just a crazy hyper dog! I dont know if I can afford another dog, yet alone two new dogs! My mom is not attached to Gunner and would very willingly put him up for adoption. but I feel guilty doing that :(

This is more or less just a vent. but if anyone has any advice, i would love that.

[harrkim120]

I'm very sorry to hear all this. It's definitely a very difficult situation to be in. I, unfortunately, don't have any good advice, but if I think of any I'll be sure to speak up.

Best of luck though...hope everything goes well for you.

[Ania's Mommy]

I'm so sorry you are going through all this. My best friend's mom is also schitzophrenic, and she has had a rough go of it throughout her life - My friend, that is. This is a desease that seems to be hardest on those around the affected person.

The problem with schitzophrenia is that medication is absolutely necessary. Usually, the main issue is getting the person to TAKE the medication. It sounds like your mom would take the medication, if it were more easily attainable. So the fact that the system has failed her must be totally frustrating and heartbreaking for your family.

I'm sorry I can't offer any advice. But I am here to listen.

Richelle

[RCTRIPLEFRESH5]

I'm very sorry to hear all this. It's definitely a very difficult situation to be in. I, unfortunately, don't have any good advice, but if I think of any I'll be sure to speak up.

Best of luck though...hope everything goes well for you.

gl life sucks i hope it gets better for yah!

[whiteleo]

It looks like you should look at Cabinet for Health and Family Services in Kentucky, that should at least get you some info as to where to start the process of either food stamps, and medical help for your mom, Good luck!

[ruckusluvr]

thank you everyone. The ER doctor told her he cannot do anything for her. We are going to try to make a doctors appointment with her family doctor for monday. and i am going to go with her to help her understand what the doctor is telling her.

and then to the cabinet with mom.

ya got to take care of your mom.

[rannmiller]

Man that is a hard situation! Definitely look into getting help from the government or other welfare agencies around town for financial assistance, it seems like you should be getting something for taking care of her if she can't work! How is she doing at her job and what does she do?

I think the shih tzu could and would probably start eating dry food if you forced it to. And diapers sound like a good solution to her leaking problem. As far as the other dog goes, it may be an unfortunate situation but it almost sounds like it would be kinder to rehome him than keep him around if you don't have the time, money, and energy for him. That's only if you can find him a really good home though, not a shelter! Sorry i can't be more helpful, I hope things get better for you soon!

[wags]

Sorry to hear of your Mom's cancer and her mental problems. Please know she is in my prayers!