Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
D
demstress Posted June 2018

Just another I-want-to-vent day when little things add up and caregiving is overwhelming. How can I cope?

I take care of my parents who live with me and my husband. Father has dementia and mother has mobility issues. I also have a husband who is very demanding and I believe he is a narcissist. I do have caregivers full time, seven days a week so I have a house full of people. Today the caregiver needed my help with my father, who at times can be very belligerent. He is bedbound but very, very strong. While we were changing him, he tried to kick and punch us. He was so angry, yelling and screaming. It took a while before he finally settled down but I was drained. Then later on that evening when I went to give my mother medicine she asked me what happened to the jewelry that was in her dresser drawer. She showed me an empty box. I had no idea what she was talking about because I don't go into her drawer. She kept asking about her jewelry and said somebody had stolen it. I was really upset because I felt she was accusing me or the caregivers. Then after that episode, my husband hands me some papers that he wants me to correct. I really blow up. Every single day there are so many issues that I have to deal with. No one says "please" or "thank you" or "would you mind doing this." I don't expect my father to understand because of his disease but his behavior is very stressful. My mother is a constant complainer and no matter what I do it is never right and I feel like a total dummy. My husband resents my doing so much for my parents that when he wants me to help him with his work reports he gets angry when I don't do it right away. I feel totally unappreciated. I don't expect a pat on the back for everything, but I feel like Cinderella who never got to the ball.

Staffbull18 Jul 2018
i also agree that you are a very special person and jesus sees all the work you are doing out of love.

Staffbull18 Jul 2018
big hugs. you take care of yourself somehow. i only have my fil who moved in two weeks ago. it sounds like a circus and your husband is not helping at all. why do you have to help him too. he is a big boy and he should be able to do his own work. i know it’s going to be hard but try to set up some boundaries. people have told me over and over again that we teach people how to treat us. remember you are the most important person.

ADVERTISEMENT


Ahmijoy Jul 2018
Dem, is there any way one or both of your parents could be placed? ANY way? When they turn violent and combative, it’s not a safe situation for anyone. Even if it were a UTI, they can be chronic in the elderly which means they’re combative more and more. For what you pay for caregivers, a facility wouldn’t be that much more. Regaining your privacy and sanity would be worth it.

We can advise you of how Hubby needs to grow up and help out, but chances are, this is a long-standing situation that was only exacerbated by your parents moving in. He needs to make his own peace with what’s going on.

It sounds like Mom is having some mental, concerns as well, above and beyond her mobility issues. Before my mom was diagnosed, she would hide things and then call the police because she thought someone broke in and stole them. Even with meds, her paranoia never got much better.

Taking time for yourself is a great idea. I always feel better after I’ve spent time with my grand babies. It doesn’t change the situation, but it makes it easier to cope.

BarbBrooklyn Jul 2018
Dem; I'm so sorry that you're having this problem.

Is dad taking any meds for agitation? If not, it sounds like you need to talk to his doctor about his behavior, which is not acceptable.

earlybird Jul 2018
Give yourself a pat on the back. I thinks it wonderful what you are doing but you have your hands full. You need to take some time for yourself. Have a family meeting and explain how you are feeling. Your husband should understand and perhaps help out a little. You are fortunate you have hired caregivers in your home to take care of your parents so having some time for yourself should not be an issue. GO to the lake, read a book, take a walk. The time you give yourself will help you cope. Spend time alone to clear your head. Get up early before others and take that time and demand it. Hope things get better for you.

smeshque Jun 2018
dem-you are in a very difficult situation. But, what a great person that you are laboring so earnestly in love. It is usually those who do the most and love the most, that go unappreciated. I totally get where you are coming from. But, your work of love does not go unnoticed. God knows exactly what you do. And the Father that sees in secret will reward you openly.
I went through such a struggle with feeling the same as you. When I finally learned I cannot change the situation, but I can change the way I see it. I begin looking at it this way. I began looking at everything I do as if I am am doing it for Jesus. Because we are. So, I learned not to need to be appreciated by another. Because Christ already appreciated me with his life.
I learned to have joy in serving others, and not want anything in return. And then it became so that others could not bring me down with their lack of appreciation.
I am just trying to say, if you cannot change the situation, you gotta change the way you view it, and perceive it. Because often times if we don't feel appreciated by others, it makes us not appreciate ourselves.
And like Frazzled said, try and sneak in some "you" time.

Most importantly Pray. It is quite powerful, I know for certain.

FrazzledMama Jun 2018
Hugs to you, sorry you have been so stressed out and feeling unappreciated. Can you get out of the house for a little bit and do something fun that you like to do? Maybe a favorite treat? Or maybe you and hubby have a date night? It is definitely highly stressful taking care of loved ones. It's important to take care of you and have time for you and your hubby too. Also come here and vent anytime. This site has truly helped save my sanity.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter