My 78 yr old mother could no longer stay in her home because she couldn't take care of herself and I live 2 1/2 hrs away. She wasn't eating, oxygen was depleted, missing her medication, etc. While at home she refused meals on wheels, refused to wear her Life Alert, quit getting dressed, soiled herself, etc. After she was hospitilized her doctor wanted her to go into the hospital's LTC Unit. Now she's healthy again, although she has to use a walker, she's eating nutritious meals, and her mind and memory are back to what they should be. She doesn't like it there but agrees she can't take care of herself at home. We know she'll fall back into the same behavior. She'll engage in some activities there but I can't get her to leave the facility and engage in life outside the facility. It's a small town and she doesn't want anyone to see her in the "condition" she's in. She'll cry over it. I know it's a big adjustment for her and my dad died just 8 months ago. How can I help her get over the shame and embarrassment she feels?
You tell your mother that you too might have to go through this someday, she's just going through it sooner is all. And you tell her for me, to not let her pride get in the way of her having a happier life because of it. Her worrying about what other people are thinking when they see her is prideful. Lose it, she'll be happier.