<p>Is you Dad with Hospice for his end-stage care? If so, ask to talk with the case manager nurse for guidance. Their words might help you decide a course of action. If they are talking “months,” that’s different than talking “weeks” or the more significant “the time is very near.” It can’t be pinned down ever, but there may be some general guidance on time expected. Tell them what you have to decide re: school to see if they give you some idea. </p>
<p>Your dad’s needs will continue to intensify. I’m so sorry.</p>
<p>If you decide on your same school for the coming semester, “Mon, Wed and the weekends” actually is a lot of time at bedside, bringing fresh energy and support to relieve your Mom. You can actually help a lot. </p>
<p>Think also if you’re the kind who’d find it hard to switch gears emotionally between environments. Factor in the driving when you’re tired or stressed out between home and campus. You need to drive safely. </p>
<p>Some people like to just camp in with a loved one, while others need to be able to come-and-go to maintain their strength to be a good caregiver. Either way you can bring a lot to help the situation. </p>
<p>You have to ask yourself, in your heart (not so much your head) from which place, which position, do you feel you can best be a part of this important family transition.</p>