I agree, his ex needs to find a babysitter and stop relying on him. I don't know what healthcare is like in the UK, and what is the reason for his mother's diabetic instability. Is she not compliant with her medication and/or diet, has her condition gotten to the point where she is compliant but she is still unstable, or does she have continuing complications from the diabetes? Here in the States, there are case managers who can help he and his mother try to figure out how to better things so that there aren't continuous crises to have to manage, or if it's a compliance issue then they can help her manage her diet and medications. But I know the situation is different over there--still worth looking into. I can appreciate that he wants to help, but of course he can't do everything for everyone.