How to support my family and remain sane

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My mother in law ceased treatment and is in end of life care.

District nurse and hospice visiting regularly.

My wife and stepdaughter take turns in providing care, shopping and anything else that is needed.

I am being looked to as the bedrock in regard to emotional support.

Wife iand stepdaughter are constantly reminding me that they will completely mentally and emotionally breakdown when the inevitable comes.

On the surface, I am keeping calm and helping where I can, doing any little errand and job at a moment's notice, but as I see my Mother in Law on a less regular basis, I notice the deterioration in her health as opposed to seeing her everyday.

I know that the end is coming, but am struggling to find the words that help.

We are all mentally and physically exhausted, so I understand how my wife and stepdaughter are reacting.

What can I do to be there and be strong, even when my emotional armour is cracking under the weight of what the future will bring

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi ThirtySix welcome to the forum though I am so sorry to hear about what is happening for you. I think it's very difficult and maybe a bit wrong for your family reminding you that they will fall to pieces, maybe with how your feeling they might need to pick you up carrying such a heavy burden. You don't have to be strong for everyone you have feelings as well and I imagine will be affected by the imminent passing of the lady so just be who you are and you can only give what you have got to give. You sound like you are doing all that you can for your family in trying to support them. Best wishes Gail x