Getting medical and mental help for my adult sister

My sister and I are providing round-the-clock care for our elderly mother. Recently, finances have forced us to transition Mom while we search for work outside the home. Then in July, I had my own medical trouble and was in the hospital for a month.

About a month after I came home, my sister began behaving in a more and more unusual manner. Then she interviewed for a job that required her to pass a state-administered test. Suddenly, unusual became irrational. She completely ceased help with our mother. She began spending money she did not have, and racked up thousands of dollars in debt. Worse, she stopped sleeping normally. She was losing lucidity in her daily tasks. Her driving became dangerous and unpredictable.

On top of everything else, she has been previously diagnosed with a thyroid condition. Even when she had insurance, she quit going to the doctor to renew her prescription. I knew it could create physical trouble, but I've been informed that failing to take her medication can create mental problems as well.

Finally, the night before Thanksgiving, she fell backward onto the sharp corner of an end table. She refused to go to a hospital. She would not even get up to sleep in her bed, or even the nearby couch. She simply asked for a pillow and comforter, and slept in the floor.

During the past two weeks, she has not gotten any better, and in my lay opinion, has gotten consistently worse. She is still sleeping sporadically at best. She is seldom lucid and able to follow simple conversation. When I have had to take our mother to appointments, my sister asks the same questions repeatedly, as if she has forgotten what she was told just an hour or so before. She is not feeding herself, and resists when I bring food to her...

My sister is an adult, age 43. She has no spouse or children. To my knowledge, she has no formal indication of who should have power of attorney, or any other type of directive, should she be unable to provide care for herself... I really have no idea what, if anything, I can do for her. But she seems to have no interest in seeking help, and I'm afraid what will happen.

If anyone can shed some light on the issue for me, I would be deeply grateful.

[Bkitty]

Hi and welcome,,,Is she drinking alcohol that you know of?

[GoPens66]

Hello...I am really sorry about your sister.  You both seem to be under a lot stress but your sister has cracked.  From my own expierence ....I would guess she has an alcohol problem.  I can personally relate to your sister. I have done what you say she does.  Nobody smelled it on me for a long time.  I hope you find help for her.  AA is just wonderful.  I wish you luck.  If you need anything please ask!

[lulu747]

I am no expert but is it possible that she has bi-polar disorder?  It fits with the manic spending and the lethargy and lack of lucidity.  I am sorry for your suffering and hope you get the help and support you need.