No shit. Well said, Chris.

It's been a long time since I've posted an update, and quite a bit has transpired, so thought I'd get everyone up to speed...

After her initial fall on November 7, she spent about a week or so at a regular hospital recovering from her physical injuries. Then, she went directly to an inpatient alcohol rehab facility, where she spent another week.
Upon the end of her inpatient alcohol rehab stay, she was still too frail and weak to return home alone, so she was transferred to a physical rehabilitation hospital where she spent an extremely effective, but much longer than originally expected FIVE WEEKS.
She was basically wheelchair-bound for the majority of her five-week stay at the the physical rehabilitation hospital, eventually regaining enough strength to progress to a walker and finally a cane. She was discharged on Christmas day.

On December 27, she attended her first AA meeting (other than the sessions held when she was in rehab). She has really done great at these meetings ever since, finding a true social group of peers with whom she has quickly developed a high level of comfort and rapport. It turns out, one of the other AA members (one who's been attending since the '90s) actually lives in the same apartment complex as my Mom. They are close to the same age (65 and 67), both single, and grew up in the same part of the country (Gulf Coast - Galveston and Baton Rouge). This woman is now my Mom's sponsor.

It's certainly far too soon to declare all of this a happy ending, but it's a far more promising outlook today than when I first started this thread two months ago. I want to personally thank everyone who posted here, providing input and support throughout one of the most difficult times of my life. I can't adequately express how appreciative I am.

Glad to hear a bit of good news, Bob!

Oh Bob I couldn't have wished for much better news than that. She's got a ladder, let's hope she climbs up and out.

Nice to hear, Bob

She's climbing one rung at a time right now, but definitely making solid progress.

Glad to hear, Bob.

Very nice to hear it, Bob.

Thanks for the update. Great news.

Thanks for sharing Bob. This is great news. Hopefully the burden on you will begin to lift.

I didn't see this until I made the decision to get re-involved in the board, so I am sorry I missed it initially.

It sounds like things are on the upswing, but like you said, you need to make sure they don't backslide.

Wilked (who if I remember correctly might be a lawyer?) has the best advice financially, along with OPA! (Ditch the car, she doesn't need to be driving most likely, and even if she really needs it, you should be able to trade down to something much more affordable) One thing to remember is the Medicare/Medicaid 5 year look back window, in which they basically make sure you're destitute before they start running the tab on their own dime. You want to be VERY CAREFUL here, because if they somehow decide that you're in charge of her money, they'll come after what little money YOU have....

I'm also surprised no one has brought up church. Well, not surprised here, but it's a good option, with lots of activities that help others, and also help people in a situation such as your moms. We went through something similar with my mom, and I was able to get help from the local church through an affiliate in the same denomination where my mom lives (2 hours south of me). It's not a panacea, but for her, who was basically as isolated, depressed and self medicative as yours, it worked well.

If you ever need advice or help, I basically unfuck things for a living these days, so you know where to find me. <>D

It's definitely getting better. Thanks, BB!

Oh, shit.

It sounds like you're ruining her last days and making her feel guilty and shitty for no reason. If you care about her let her be and make her prouder than she already is of you.

That would require her to even be proud of me in the first place, MARKCLARK, which seems highly unlikely. I've done little to generate pride among loved ones over the years. On the other hand, I am a disappointment MACHINE. Good to be prolific at something.