So…..
My younger brother 58 experienced an SAH 2 months ago. I’m sure you all know how it goes. First you are in shock, then you just try to get through the medical stuff.
Here we are 2 months later. I feel like as a sister I know my brother really well, or knew. People tell me it is not my obligation to help him. I disagree. I’m the one who knows what makes him smile. The things that make him smile are all from 1970 - 1981 (estimate).
I have figured out how he responds to open ended questions, I know what makes him sad ( our mother dying and then him remembering and then forgetting again) and I am keenly aware of changes in his demeanor and or appearance.
He is at a nursing home with “invalids”as he says. He has no real mental stimulation. His ability to solve puzzles etc is still there, but his executive function and short term memory is weak .
Instead of this just being a vent, I would like to find resources. I am willing to help him in any way I can. I need to be careful that I don’t become drained. I logically know that I have to care for myself but it is difficult to separate from the strong urge to fix things.
