I can feel my mother being lonely. She hides it well, not to worry us. But I know she's depressed and lonely.
I'm there some of the time helping out and spending time with her, but I feel like she wants to be more social, but is incapable because of her hip problems.
Who's had to contend with this issue? And how did you solve it?
She’d complain about it, but wouldn’t ever take any steps to help herself. 😏
Sometimes, I would invite her to do things-volunteer in my classroom, meet people, etc. 🙂
Eventually, I gave up. She never took responsibility for her own socialization. 😫
Now, Mom is in memory care. She still talks about being “alone”. People are literally steps away from her room. Her answer now is, “I don’t mean “those” kind of people.”😩
I have to let it go. Otherwise, thinking about it makes me feel nutty. 🤪
I’m 76, and I was shocked to read your post. How about you ask her for her plans?
My mother is in AL, she uses a walker and joins in on everything, others are in wheelchairs they do as well.
If your mother is not in AL that well may be where she should be, she can make friends and participate in activities.
Her age, 70, is nothing! My friend had a hip replacement 2 years ago at age 97. He recovered and at 99 he still plays golf sometimes, though not as much. Has your mom had hip replacement, and if so, did she complete therapy? I cant imagine why anyone would be incapacitated by hip problems at age 70 when there are so many techniques to fix them.
You are doing a lot of guesswork here. You apparently haven't discussed this at length with her.
I would be interested in hearing what she has to say.
You are looking at things from your own perspective. Hers may be very different.
I took a 2 week trip to Croatia and Slovenia when I needed a hip replacement and had bone-on-bone pain to contend with. I brought a cane and did my best, and hung onto hubbys arm a lot. We had a blast.
If mom can sit down, she can join a book club or a senior center or any number of groups to stay in touch with others. Even if she has to travel in a wheelchair, elders get out and about ALL the time that way.
If mom is lonely, ask her what she plans to do about it?
Have you or she discussed placement in ALF? For some the social outlet is the high point of all that with lots of activities and visiting.
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