At this point there is no reality for mom. She has no short term memory and she will argue with you to the point where she is almost yelling if you don't agree with her. We've tried that; we tried ignoring her; and yes, there have been some frustrated times we we've spoken harshly back at her. There are very rare moments when we can talk to her like a rational person. I know it's going to get worse, but right now this is bad and it's affecting my entire family. Tomorrow the guardian and attorney are going to show up to talk with her; I can't wait to see what she tells them. We're also getting tired of forcing her to bathe. She now does it every other day if we make her; she doesn't even put on clean clothes unless we force the point or she has an accident.
I am married to a saint. My husband and my family have taken turns over the last year with her, but now my brother is moving and it's just me. I need help! I know that she is taken care of here, but it has taken its toll on all of us and I want my husband and children (20 and 24) to be able to find work and not be her baby sitter. Plus, I teach all day and have to bring home work to do and I know that when school starts in another week, this will be more than I can bear. Especially being in a new job in a new county. Any thoughts? Thanks for letting me vent; this board has been a life saver for me over the past year.
I come to this place to hear from others and know I'm not alone and don't have it as bad as most.
I advise getting some outside help as much as you can, a housekeeper, caregiver a few hrs a week, whatever she or you can afford. You know she will get worse and that her needs have changed. No shame in realizing she may need more skilled care or more time than you and your family can continue to offer.
Can she attend an adult day program? Can she afford respite care for a couple weeks at AL or memory care center? Yep, it might cost $150/day but think of it as a vacation for you and your family...that could be a bargain.
Is she a veteran or spouse of veteran? You may need to get creative to find available financial resources to help out. Call or visit your local center on aging or senior center and speak with them regarding options.
No shame in wanting your life back and having had enough. We start out with good intentions but no one can be prepared for the realities of this aging thing, and we continue to work longer than our parents ever did, then spend our retirement managing our loved ones care.
Don't think you have to do it alone. There is support, if you know where to find it. With assistance and guidance, you can and will get through this.
On many of the threads here I have found comfort in the notion that I am not the only one whose parent has told others what a slut, drunk, control freak, blah, blah, blah, I am over maybe 8-10 years. She's on the verge of accusing me of outright stealing. I now know it was the dementia coming on slowly…though hard to detect because much of this behavior has been there since I was a kid.
Captain's advice is sound: instead of arguing or trying to reason with someone who can no longer reason rationally, walk away, hide yourself in a room alone, do what it takes to protect your sanity and well-being and that of your family. Use any and all resources available. I am gradually losing the guilt as I move to get my mother into assisted living because professionals will be better able to handle all this without the emotional entanglements.
I am preaching to myself. I still don't always succeed either at avoiding shouting matches with someone who makes no sense when she snaps about bathing or whatever simple thing sets her off….
Please remember you are no good to anyone if your own health suffers as a result of this stress. Your wonderful husband and children probably haven't been called to sacrifice you in exchange for her. Do the best you can by her without losing your self, your life, your job, your family.
Though my mother has always thought differently, everything is not always about her. Sometimes it's about others and what is best for them.
Please vent here, know others share your pain without judgment. And when you can, remember to laugh. (The outrageous stories, repetition, and ludicrous behaviors have become my and my brother's material for many an outright guffaw!)
Hugs, prayers, best wishes. Press on.