Follow
Share

I've been lurking mostly here since my dad passed away at the end of September after a 20-year roller coaster illness. I am now the sole caregiver for my mom who has more health issues than I can possibly type here.


My mom is very resistant to everything I suggest: moving her close to me (I live 1,000 miles away but have been here with them since MAY!) but to an assisted living community where people can care for her daily; getting in-home care in the short-term; talking to someone about her grief, her wanting to die, her pain.


All of it falls on deaf ears, and she just wails all day long about everything. She had a stroke in 2002, and it really changed her personality. She became timid, fearful, and her emotions know two speeds: 0 or 200mph. Everything is met with the same level of hysteria: she has the same reaction to telemarketers calling that she does when we talk about missing my dad.


All the advice here points to me continuing down the road I'm on: selling the house, getting her finances in order to be able to pay for the assisted living, and finding her a place to live near me. But on a daily basis, she tells me she doesn't want to go, that I'm "dumping her in a nursing home," that she wants to die before any of that could happen.


I have tried to explain that there are people trained and skilled in taking care of her in ways I am not. She fell out of bed recently, and we had to call 911 to have EMS help me pick her up. I bathe her; I change dressings on pressure sores from her staying in bed too long; I get her in and out of bed with the ring of my phone every single night, multiple times.


She is afraid to have someone else do those things because they'll laugh at her. She is very heavy, and her body has been through a lot. She constantly says things about them taking photos of her and posting them online. The self-hatred she feels makes her believe no one could like her, no one could look at her without that hatred she herself sees.


At the same time, she said she knows she has "ruined my life." But every time we talk about how we could work to make it better, for both of us, she says the answer is her dying, where she can be with my dad.


While she's always been a pessimist, especially as it relates to herself, she truly has taken it to a new low. Every single thing is a doomsday scenario, the worst possible outcome. She watches a lot of TV, so she envisions elder abuse, people stealing her money, me running away with her money.... if it's been on a soap opera or Law & Order, she is pretty sure it's going to happen to her.


I'm an only child, and I have literally dropped everything countless times to come help them during both of their illnesses. I moved back in when we thought my dad was very near to a liver transplant in 2015 (he got too sick to have one, so I went home after a year). I have tried to give back to them everything they've given me as parents, because they did sacrifice to give me the best upbringing they could. I do believe I owe it to them to help, and I love them. I care what happens to my mom, and I do not want her living somewhere where people don't help her or make her feel badly about the body that is failing her. She is a good person who is blinded by her physical and mental pain. I know I cannot fix her, but I also cannot get her to try to fix herself.


I am seeing a therapist here to try to work through my grief, my depression at leaving my own life (I haven't seen my boyfriend who I live with since May), my stress trying to work remotely while being my mom's caretaker... but we're not making much progress. I don't have time to grieve or process my own emotions because I'm trying to deal with my mom's emotions.


I know many of you are in this situation, or have been. Any suggestions are welcome. I think I just needed to get it all out here. Thanks for listening.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Good luck at today's appointment!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I am so sorry you are going through this. I am also an only child and only 5 1/2 hours away from my mom, similar situation, except that I am not there taking care of her physically. She is still living in her large home and was just diagnosed with dementia.

I understand about the very difficult ups and downs of emotions, both for my mom and for me. I also know how hard it is, especially when they won't cooperate and resist everything you try to do for them.

Dr. says she is high fall risk. She won't budge to leave the house to move to a facility nor to our area; not eating right, etc. I have explained to her that we are unable to move to her area due to our commitments here and my husband's job (which he is still having to work so that I can have the time to spend working on her behalf). It is very likely that we are just one event away from a nursing home or assisted living, in which case, everything will change again.

My husband has a full time corporate job and I have a business that I have had to almost completely stop working in over the past 3 to 4 months so that I could start managing her financial and medical affairs on her behalf. But I must get back to my business right away and am working on plans now to do so ASAP.

I contacted someone early in December at the Alzheimer's Association in mom's hometown who has offered to help with resources and visits and have also contacted her LTC company about paying for and getting some in home care help (making meals, cleaning, etc.) for her right away.

As a new year's resolution, I have also made a decision that for her care and well being, as well as for my own health and well being, I am going to hire a Geriatric Care Manager to advise me on how to handle the situation with her. They will also recommend and send approved home care workers in her area to help her until an event would cause us to change course and move her into a facility either there or closer to us to ensure that she is safe and well. They will also work with the insurance company to set things up as they already have the contacts in place.

I am also talking with several counselors at my church who have experience with eldercare issues and are helping mt to think more clearly about the situation and what I can and cannot do, and the boundaries I need to set to protect myself and my husband as well.

Hopefully this may give you some ideas to try and at least some people to talk with about your situation so that you are not going it alone.

Sending prayers for God to give you strength, peace, rest, comfort, and courage as you move forward in setting boundaries and decision making that will benefit both you and your mom both now and in the long term.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Hello! I am an only child helping my Mom. I recommend patience. Also get her an iPad. It will help her by having something other than a TV to keep her informed and going and mentally flexible. As to assisted living I would do the best I can to make her life at home better. Assisted living should be something she wants. My Mom is happy at home. As for dating? Ha. I am keenly aware of how much alone I am. Also make sure to workout and to pray and to stay off beer and wine and drink. Keep yourself sharp.

As for weight loss make Peel A Pound Soup. It is guaranteed to take off between 8 and 13 pounds in a week of eating. You will love it. I swear by it. Mom loves it too.

God bless.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Merry Christmas, MP!

Hope you and mom have a lovely day.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
Thank you, I hope yours was good.

My mom chose to sleep most of the day. I spent the day reading in silence. I'm thankful it's over... one more big holiday down, only one more to go (for a while).
(1)
Report
MP1976: You're welcome. Your mother needs a mental evaluation as "she doesn't think she's worth it." Good luck.💞
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

MP, in talking about antidepressants, was the Cymbalta given a fair chance to work? It can take several weeks of medication titration to get to the right therapeutic level. And it generally requires a doc who is experienced in teasing out the improvement in mood from the "noise" to figure that out. Meaning a psychiatrist.

The fact that your mother has had a stroke and possibly some cognitive impairment may mean that her reasoning abilities and insight are now lacking. So it's possible that she will NEVER come to the idea on her own that change needs to happen.

It may be that you are going to need to go into "take charge" mode. Not mean, just brisk and "now it's time to..." way of managing your mom's life.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report

https://www.disabilitysecrets.com/resources/social-security-disability/survivors-benefits-death-disabled-worker.html

If your dad was getting SSDI, it looks to ne like this indicates that your mom would be eligible for 100% of his benefit.

Is she willing to go to the SS appointment? Where else can you take her while she's out of the house?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
Yes, we've been told she should get 100% of his SSDI. The only tricky part is he was getting it before he turned 65, and it was only a portion because he was getting LTD from his employer. So we're not sure of the actual monthly amount, but she will get 100% of whatever that would be.

And yes, she has promised she will go to the appointment. She knows her future depends on it. It's on January 2. We also have a doctor's appointment that day to follow up on some things. I'm going to bring up the vascular dementia when we go (thank you for mentioning that).

I wish the practice had a psychiatrist or someone in the building we could have there to provide a consult or heck, an intervention, but that isn't the case.

I've been researching the Psychology Today docs that take TriCare (not a ton), so far no luck in getting anything scheduled yet.
(2)
Report
Re-reading your replies to others, MP, I'm getting the strong sense that your mom's cognitive skills have declined, possibly as a result of her stroke. Sometimes strokes result in vascular dementia.

One of the core deficits that I noticed in my mom post stroke was a dreadful increase in anxiety and a profound inability to bring her formerly impressive resources to bear to solve problems. Ants in her kitchen, a burned out lightbulb, a storm happening 600 miles away were all disasters that needed out immediate attention.

No amount of reassurance helped. In home care did not help.

Meds helped. (Having one of us, her adult kids helped to a certain extent, but that wasnt sustainable. We all had mortgages. The idea of one of us giving up our livelihood was unthinkable. To us.)
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

MP, you know those stories that tug at your heartstrings that we get told from childhood, like the one about your mom being told to have an abortion, etc.?

They are childhood stories. They are not the nuanced, adult version of the truth. I'm not trying to knock your mom, but there is an element of drama, guilt and obligation in a story like the one she tells that is designed to keep you locked up in the "castle".

Your mom clearly had a rotten childhood and the scars show. She repaired that to some extent by giving you a better childhood than she had.

But what she's doing right now? It's damaging you both physically and mentally. I'm not sure why you're not angry at her AND the situation.

Yes, maybe her knee replacements will go badly. Yes, maybe a facility won't be perfect. But since THIS plan (you being her sole caregiver) won't continue beyond a date that is of YOUR choosing, she has to change something.

There is something called "locus of control"--what is within your ability to control is YOUR behavior and actions.

What is within your mother's locus of control? Right now it seems like she is relying on her ability to be helpless and hopeless to control your behavior and force you into a lifetime of caregiving. This is an unhealthy situation for her AND for you.

I would think that your mom would be ashamed of taking your life away like this when help for what ails her--depression and joint pain--is so readily available.

A woman named Marilyn Saviola passed away recently. She lived in my building. Marilyn had polio as a child and was a quadriplegic. Lived in a power wheelchair. Was on a respirator. Fought her way out of permanent placement in a rehab hospital as a young adult and earned bachelor and Master's degrees and went on to help run a major advocacy organization. Went out to work every day in her own wheelchair van.

Her funeral was packed with dozens of other folks in wheelchairs who go to work every day in my city.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nytimes.com/2019/12/01/health/marilyn-saviola-dead.amp.html

I understand only too well what a destructive force depression can be. But sometimes folks who are depressed need to be forced into getting help by a change in the enabling behavior of those around them. Be the agent of change in this story.

If what I'm saying makes you angry, if I seem to have too little sympathy for your mom, I apologize . But I perceive this story as one of unhealthy relationships that wants changing.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
It doesn't make me angry, I get it. It's the same thing I'd say to someone who isn't me. I'm struggling with taking my own advice, with doing what I would tell someone else to do.

To be fair, my mom doesn't tell the abortion story, almost ever. She does tell stories about things her father said to her, reasons why she always felt inadequate, etc. But she doesn't tell that one, I tell it. I tell it because I'm trying to justify it all in my own mind. She risked her life for me, so now I'm putting mine in jeopardy for her. So it's got to be fair, right? (Wrong, I know)

When I hear about people like Marilyn, I realize how petty our concerns are in comparison... and yet they're all we know. It's kind of like a child crying over a broken toy, or a teenager's first breakup in high school: It IS the end of the world to them.

And thank god for the Marilyns of the world. She made a massive impact and improved the lives of millions.

But you're right. I do want something to change. I want my mom to be taken care of, I want her to want to strive to be better, and I want to somehow keep going with my life, whatever it may bring. Wanting and doing are two different things, so that's where I need to focus.

There have been a lot of pearls of wisdom in this thread, but this may be the biggest of them all. Thank you.
(3)
Report
My situation is not too different from yours, except that we live close to each other. My mother is in denial about her depression, so getting her to a doctor who can help her with that is impossible. She a several physical problems that cause her pain, but she's fighting me about seeing a doctor about that too. There is absolutely no reason to be living with any sort of pain at her age and in this day and age. She certainly doesn't have to worry about becoming hooked on anything, laws are so tight now. And overdosing is not an issue since her medications are always distributed to her by her caregiver, if not by me. Perhaps your mom's general practitioner can recommend a specialist ( psychiatrist) who could help with the depression and self esteem and she'd be less interested in watching horrible shows like those on TV. I have determined that when my husband watches crime shows, his general attitude towards life is more hostile and impatient. Well ya. Nobody likes nasty people doing nasty things to nice people. Thinking about that makes me angry too. And since these are made up people and nasty situations, the anger gets suppressed into inner anger/depression. But I tend to think that the world would be a better place if everyone took antidepressants.
And my mom periodically will get nervous about her finances and me not managing them properly. Or that I might run off with them and/or leave her in a home. Good luck to us both.
It's definitely a dismal place to be in. I will be reading the answers you get too. Happy Holidays!
Helpful Answer (3)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I feel like she knows she is sinking further & further, but she does not want to do anything about it. I have tried all tactics (tough love, supportive encouragement, not engaging at all), but nothing has really worked thus far.

She has suffered from depressions and anxiety most of my life, so that isn't new. But she has been on the wrong meds for years. Maybe they help a tiny bit, but certainly not enough.

Layering the grief and fear on top of it though is just unbearable, for her and for me.

Best of luck to you, too. I can't say I take comfort in knowing so many others are in the same boat. It makes me feel sad for us all, and I pray we all get some much needed cheer in the new year.
(3)
Report
I am glad you are getting counseling for you! Self care is essential!

You will likely NOT get to work through her failings with you. Try to accept the fact that at times she acknowledges it, as your verification & perhaps vindication.

You can not resolve her grief. Just let her talk! Don't challenge, they are her feelings!

Do get doctors to monitor her Potassium and Thyroid closely, even if she has no history. These, changed I eating, and medications can cause the over response, and she is as unable to control it as you are.

Did you know that Grief looks so much like Depression that guidelines do not allow a Depression diagnosis until at least a year after the loss of a loved one! That is how powerful it is & even low level medical changes I mentioned, plus dehydration! will cause these symptoms.

You are 100% correct that the brain trauma is a huge factor. Now what can help:

Prayer & meditation, actually saying a prayer, words to a favorite song, or poem, or Olde Irish Saying, etc. on a frequent basis changes the brain. Heals it physically.

Go to the library and get some music from the days of her prime. Find something she finds pleasing. Play it often during the day.

Do the same for yourself! Music is healing. Even if at times it brings up deep grief..as long as not linked to a traumatic event, it will help.

Everyone grieves differently!!!
The thoughts and behaviors you describe are very common! Just be sure she is safe! No access to intentional or accidental overdose. Remember Tylenol & cough syrup ODs are fatal!

Hydration, nutrition, and the wonderful care you describe are your focus. When she goes negative, you can say things like, " That would be horrible"

Start bringing in Respite help. Even if you stay at the house while they are there...but do try to take 5-10 minutes to walk outside, of find a quiet place for yourself while they are there.

You are going to need more help. So start bringing it in a little at a time. Don't ask permission!!! Just do it!

Even if you sit with helper I earshot of your Mom, and talk about general chit chat, or better positive memories, it will acclimate her, reduce the feelings of intrusion.

The holidays will be hard, but do something extra kind for yourself. Maybe invite a neighbor to drop by to say Hi to your Mom. Accept all offers for visits, put calls on speaker, let the world in, even if she objects.
Prayers and good thoughts are coming your way.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Some good advice from others and from your response, some good plans in place. For your mom, first of all try to get her under proper care, which may mean not telling her the doc is a psychiatrist - try to get around that - maybe he/she can meet you at the regular doc office, as a consult to "help" the doc? Then/same time, try to get the preconceived notions out of her head!

"But on a daily basis, she tells me she doesn't want to go, that I'm "dumping her in a nursing home," that she wants to die before any of that could happen."

1) AL is NOT NH
2) Even NH of today are not what they were 'back in the day'
3) Try to make it her choice, not yours

To achieve the above, suggestions are:
1) Find some local ALs and schedule tours/free lunches. Check them yourself beforehand, and pick the ones that might spark some interest in her. The plan is to find a place local to your home, BUT, if she can see these places locally NOW, to get a better idea for what ALs are, it might help. You have time to kill anyway before the January rush of appointments! Now might even be ideal, as the places would be decorated for Xmas! Just schedule it and don't discuss it with her beforehand - just going out and/or doing lunch!
2) Using brochures and the tours from #1, you can reinforce the idea that these are not NHs and certainly nothing like NHs used to be. So many older people have this "image" in their head, and can't get past that ALs are NOT like that!
3) Others suggested choosing your wording carefully, and perhaps providing the options available that she has to choose from (moving closer to you or bringing in help.) If you say you might lose your job/home/BF if you don't return soon and say you'd both be in trouble if any of those happened, she can HELP by helping you/making the choice for her future (I do think her depression really needs to be treated before you can make a lot of headway - while some meds work for some and not so well for others, it may take time and trying other meds if the ones Rxed don't work.)


One option she is resistant to is getting home help. The VA can provide $ for some help to come in. Bringing in help might work if she gets used to them while you're there. Pass them off as friends that are there to help YOU. IF you could swing this, and then return home with promise to come back soon, say you have issues to deal with at home, she can become more used to the person/people who come in.

Another option is once you pick a place near home, talk her into coming to your place for a visit, but she'll have to stay a few days (assuming some places do offer 'respite' care) while you get your place ready (even if there is not a plan to have her in your place - fibs about it, any excuse to delay moving into your place) While she's there, you can make daily visits, have meals with her, take her out, socialize with others, to get her mind off why she is there and let her see that you can be there for her without jeopardizing your job
Our mother was resistant to moving anywhere, and even though she planned to move to AL when she thought it was time, with dementia all bets are off! Any mention of AL was met with derision and stating that she would NEVER live in one of those places! She used to visit local ones and take the free lunch/tour, and indicate her plans to move eventually, but the dementia convinced her that she was 'fine', 'independent' and 'could cook.' Self-perception takes a real nose dive sometimes with dementia!

So glad you lurked and finally came out into the open. You certainly are not alone. While it might seem sad you have no siblings to help, sometimes it is for the best - not all siblings are jerks, many are hard-working and contribute what help they can, but there are so many who either refuse to help or even visit and others who try to take you down! I have 2 brothers, but sometimes I would wonder if I am an only child!
Helpful Answer (3)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
These are all good suggestions.

We have an order for in-home care from her doctor, but thanks to the holidays we haven't actually gotten the evaluation set up. But that is the first step, at least so she can see a) that people might be able to suggest ways to improve her mobility (occupational therapy) and b) that there are trained professionals who can come in to assist that will do far better than I can!

While I like the idea of taking her to a nice AL community that she could see for herself, there's no tricking her. She doesn't leave the house unless absolutely necessary (no going to lunch, no running errands, etc). She maybe leaves the house once a month for a doctor's appointment, and that's only recently because I've made her. So I'd need her to be on board with going, and usually she cancels any appointments we make day-of because she makes herself sick over it.

I do understand siblings can complicate things, and for that, I am thankful there is no one trying to undermine or take from my mom. It's been so long since I've just been her daughter that I don't even know what that would feel like anymore, but I'd kind of like to try.
(0)
Report
I have been lurking this post! So many similarities for me. I am an only child and have been subject to my mom's negativity for years. Living down the street from me, she (and dad) began drinking heavily upon retirement. At age 70, she declared she was old, done, and not gonna do anything, anymore. Took to her recliner, became verbally abusive to my dad. She has been threatening suicide for years. After a few years trapped in a negative & chaotic household, my dad started down the path of dementia, mom threatened me that she would commit suicide or move to a motel and leave him alone if I didn't "get him out of her house". Under duress, I quickly "dumped" him into a memory care facility where he lingered for almost 3 years. Mom hardly ever went to visit him and when she did, was verbally abusive and often drunk. The facility staff pulled me aside and informed me she was no longer authorized to take him from the building unless I was there.

Dad died 5 weeks ago tomorrow. His ashed sit at the funeral home while his grave in a beautiful cemetery waits. Mom's drama continues to overshadow him, she had to be admitted to a mental health hospital a week after he died. She continues to be nasty about everything, now I'm taking care of her house as well as mine and it has been neglected for years.

I have an appointment to start seeing a therapist in two weeks. Letting down my guard to grieve my dad's death has made me realize HOW MUCH I have held in over these years to keep up a brave front, try to keep things from unraveling, trying to oversee my poor father's care at the MC facility, and putting on a smile in my small town (where I grew up and my parents are known) while I tell everyone "oh, my parents are fine, thank you for asking". I have started sharing my awful story with a few friends, and found I am not alone in the "awful mom" drama. My husband's dad is alone (husband's mom died in 2012), and his dad is 81 and totally unchanged from the man I met 30 years ago. He never asks for anything, is fiercely independent. What is up with this mom drama? Why? I don't get it.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report
disgustedtoo Dec 2019
It's not really a mom or dad thing... may show up more often or more blatantly in women as we are generally more in tune with emotions... men not so often (just a general thing, not set in stone.) What is sad is when we, the child(ren) have to deal with it! Just because we are adults, it doesn't make it any easier or more palatable!
(2)
Report
See 4 more replies
MP1976, you got empathy, advice, wisdom and help for others than yourself in this thread/conversation. Thank you for sharing so thoroughly, lucidly, concisely - and for interacting with responders.

And thanks to those who responded. Invaluable.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I've been really touched by all the responses. I sat here staring at them all tonight, marveling at how many people took a good amount of time to type out their thoughts, experiences and feelings. For me. A stranger.

My goal is to try to put some of these things into practice as soon as the holidays are over (when people start to return phone calls, schedule appts, etc). I wish I could fast-forward a few months to see that we're moving in the right direction, but for now, I'm just going to have to believe.

I, too, am very thankful for all the great responses here.
(2)
Report
2 words: safe and healthy. You deserve to be safe and healthy. Your mom needs a situation where she can be safe and healthy. Knowing that you can not provide those for her long term should help make it easier to help her into a place that can provide these. She is mourning and scared which is driving most of the behavior your describe. Of course, her stroke makes it harder for her to process these emotions or to cope. Talk to her doctor about your plans to enlist his/her help.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I keep telling her that my priority is for her to be safe and taken care of by people who are trained to do so. Yes, I want it for myself, too, but I'm still not sure which will get her to realize we have to make a change: her safety or my health.
(1)
Report
MP1976: There may be some caregivers who will keep plugging away. However, the reality of your situation is that you may have burned out last year. It is very typical of the parent to #1 not speak up, #2 to expect the adult child to drop everything, #3 to just keep going along status quo, etc. Prayers to you. My mother demanded to live alone in Massachusetts by herself and she left me no option but to leave my Maryland home and move in with her.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I definitely hit the burn out stage a little while ago, probably even before my dad passed away.

I snap at my mom for things that are trivial. I find it easier knowing she's sleeping so I can't get mad at her for things (both within and out of her control). I remind myself so often that I am not mad at her, I'm mad at the situation. Her body and mind have failed her. Yes, she could have made some different choices 20 years ago to try to slow the physical deterioration, but we all make the choices we think are right at the time.

She prioritized my dad thinking he would always be here to take care of her. Therefore, he was the one worth going to follow-up appointments, doing rehab, listening to the doctors.

Part of it is her self-esteem, too. She doesn't think she's worth it. She doesn't believe she has a purpose on earth, other than "to take up space." If she believed she contributed, I think she'd fight for herself. But that's something she needs therapy for, too, and she's never given it a fair shot.
(0)
Report
I too am an only child and have to handle the care of my dad. I had to come to the realization that I could no longer care for him. Neither my husband nor I are in the best of health.
My dad had to go into the hospital and then to rehab. I found a place for him in memory care. I took him right from rehab directly to memory care. I spent many hours beating myself up
and feeling guilty.
Now I’m thankful I did it. His health has deteriorated over the past year and he is in a safe place.
I also live out of state and had to have an estate sale and bring my dad to be near me. I did the sale after he was moved here. Not easy! Broke my heart but there was no other way to do it.
Please find a place for mom and keep your life going.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I keep reiterating the aspect of safety to her. What would happen if we both fell while I was pulling her out of a chair when her knees are completely locked, and she can't even use the walker to get up? What would happen if I threw my back out while getting her in & out of bed?

An unhealthy me is bad news for her, too, so I keep saying that this is for her safety as well as mine. She knows it logically; she is exceptionally intelligent. But the emotional side of her is too scared for anything to change.

Perfect example: she's needed double knee replacement for maybe 15 years. Her pain has gotten progressively worse, and her knee joint is just bone on bone, there's no cartilage left. It is so loud you can hear it when she moves. She cries at how bad the pain is. But she refuses to have surgery. Why? "Because I know this pain, and the pain afterwards, if it goes wrong, could be worse." She assumes it'll go badly, the pain will be worse.

Most people look forward to getting new knees, new hips, with all the great advancements that have been made in medicine... I have friends whose parents have run marathons after knee replacements. They expected the best from their surgeries; my mom expects only the absolute worst.

It hurts my heart to know she only thinks the worst is possible for her, but after being this way for 63 years, I know it is unlikely she'll change now.

I'm glad your dad is safe, and you are able to focus on your own health. Gives me hope!
(0)
Report
As everyone here has shared, there are options. One thing I can add is there is a way to make changes and stay loving. When everything is done, it is one thing you will be able to know in your heart you have done is to stay loving through it all. It is possible. From my experience it takes first knowing what you want in light of what is happening. Your therapist can help you with this. It takes nourishing yourself with healthy food, stay away from sugar, drugs and alcohol. They don't love you and it will get in the way of making the best possible choices. You must sleep, it is when the body and brain do their best to heal you. Do what you feel you absolutely have to do and do what you must and don't do anything else. And, everything can't be what you must do. There are many proven resources to help - get good at asking.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
This is a hard one. I am trying my best to remember how much I love her first and foremost. This is a woman who sacrificed herself for me. She was told on Christmas Eve to have an abortion, that she could not carry me to term, that we'd both die in childbirth. She took the risk, and we both survived (though I was extremely sick for the first 6 months). As a result, I became her life, probably to an unhealthy degree.

She gave me the love and encouragement she didn't have as a child, and then some. She made sure I always knew I was loved, I was special, I was worth something... because she didn't feel that way growing up.

So it pains me when I feel twinges resentment or anger. I know I have a right to my feelings, but she isn't doing this to me intentionally. I remind myself of that daily to keep anger in check, but I still get snippy and aggravated easily.

Thank you for the reminder to make those good choices.
(1)
Report
Your mother needs a hired care-taker or placement in AL or Nursing Facility. It can't continue to be you but you can't wait until she likes the idea. It sounds like she will protest as long as she can make sound.
Tough Love Time. I do not know exactly how to physically accomplish such a move for someone who doesn't want to go, but I expect people on this forum will have some ideas.
This is hard. I wish you well.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Hugs and prayers for you. I had a similar situation, but at least I'm not an only child. Long story short, I wish we had done this sooner: We had to get a conservatorship through court (it cost us around $3,000 in legal fees. It's different depending on what state you live in) and the toughest part, since we then had the legal authority, we were able to insist that Mom move into a nice facility near me in my home town. I now visit her 2-3 times a week and have my life back. It's not perfect, but my mom is happier than she was before, and I have my life back.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
Truthfully, I don't want to have to force her through having legal authority. I need her to realize this is what is best for her and for me. I know it could come down to that, but I truly hope it doesn't.

I do have Durable POA and medical POA, so that is a start if we need to go down that road.

Thank you for sharing your experience, and I'm so glad that both you and your mom are happier!
(0)
Report
We had to trick MOM into going somewhere that would be better for her where she would get immediate and good help. Are there Dad pension(s) to pay for a nice assisted living place... did she work ? Was he in the military -- you might be able to get the Aid and Attendance program if there are enough ADL's--- assisted daily living-- need with feeding, bathing, help out of bed, et al. Your county via 211 will be able to help------ do not feel guilty. You deserve a life! Just tell her she will be going for a respite stay for rehab... and then get her there... after a while she will find friends and get support via the nurses and CNAs as well as outside folks who come in and even do massage as well as entertain. AND you-- need a roadtrip-- go see a favorite cousin or two.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
BarbBrooklyn Dec 2019
ADL stands for "Activities of Daily Living", ie toileting, bathing, feeding, dressing.
(1)
Report
See 1 more reply
I’m so sorry you’re in this situation, it’s so emotional and sucks the life out of you. Set boundaries!

I’ve been in your situation for many years and I’m lucky to have a sister in town with me and my parents. My dear husband is my strength and a shoulder to cry on of which I’ve done many times. Is there an irrevocable trust in place naming you as her POA, a medical directive, is the house in the trust? If not, get it done yesterday with an attorney.

It sounds like your mom May be suffering from anxiety of what she thinks will happen when none of it has. I would sit down with her at an attorneys office if you can so he can go over any trust or wills and can explain to both of you how everything is to protect the assets. I would explain to her that you are worn out mentally, physically and emotionally and that you can’t and won’t put your own well being thru this stress any longer. You love her however you love yourself also so these are your choices. Sell the house and move her closer to you would be my suggestion. If she’s in a facility and you’re the only person with the POA you’ll be the first they call to meet her at the hospital should something happen. You won’t be able to keep an eye on her, the caregiver or the facility being so far away. My sister and I have raked the facility over the coals in meetings with the head people including corporate. Things are now much better but that’s because we are there almost everyday. Something I remember is when my mom was in the hospital, a nurse saw me in the hallway outside of her door crying. She told me that she sees me and my sister there for my mom several times a day. She can see we’re tired, drained and emotionally broken. My mom was in good hands and would be well taken care of but we didn’t need to come to the hospital everyday. I needed to take care of myself or I wouldn’t be able to take care of anyone else. Make yourself a priority. What she said was very true and I did what she told me to do. At first I felt a bit of guilt but overall I felt a bit healthier and less resentful. I don’t know what your moms mental state is but she may be using a bit of manipulation to get you to stay or move in with her. If you do you will never get out or away, don’t do it!
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
Yes. We are working towards many of those things. The house is still in my dad's name, so I have a court date in January to take him/his estate off of it. From there, we'll either place the house in a trust with the rest of her assets, or sell the darn house (which is the goal).

I do have Durable & medical POA, and I am on all of her accounts.

You're absolutely right that she fears the things that haven't happened, just things that technically *could* happen. I have told her that a trust to protect her assets is a benefit to her, but she thinks of it as a trust fund where a kid asks their rich parent to write them a check.

I've talked to a financial advisor a few times just to get things started, so the plan is that he'll meet with us in January after we get her SS filed (we've been waiting for months for the appointment).

I used to go see my dad every day, both in the hospital and at the LTACH, and I'd stay 12+ hours. I'd wait to see who the night nurse was, make sure they knew my dad's quirks, things he needed, etc.

I had a few good ones who said something similar to what the nurses told you and your sister: go home, get some rest, let us take care of him.

But on the flip side, I also had nurses calling me at 3:00 am because they didn't know what to do, and my dad said "call my daughter, she knows everything!" They'd have questions about his meds that weren't properly documented, or if he was in a medicine fog, he'd get confused about his conditions. And sadly, that happened a lot! Then there were the nurses who were very nice people and I'm sure good at their jobs, but there was a language barrier and they never quite understood what we were saying.

So I think my mom fears all of that, too. Knowing that she is in the hands of people who will rotate, that she'll have to get to know over and over... people who will write the wrong thing down and it'll somehow follow her around that she has some condition that she doesn't really have. Past experience really colors your expectations of the future.

And yes, I do think there is some manipulation going on. Not maliciously, but just out of fear. How we're living right now is miserable, but it is something she knows. So I think she'd prefer that to the unknown (even though the unknown could be a ton better!!).

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Definitely all good suggestions and ideas.
(0)
Report
Give your Mom and yourself the opportunity to grieve. You cannot replace the role of Husband and partner. Your Mother is not missing a caregiver, she is missing her life’s partner. Unless you are prepared to make the move to provide direct care for your Mom, try gathering as much info about in-home care or assisted living as necessary, and if she allows you to, work with her physician to set up care. Encourage her to work with her physician and social worker.
Then go home. Call and check in as you have always done and allow your Mother to choose her quality of life. Once she chooses it will be easier for you and she to discuss her choice and how, if necessary you can provide support her choices- except for the choice of her giving up on life. Be honest, tell her you do not want to lose both parents, however set boundaries according to how you can realistically support her. I am an only child with a widowed Mother, so I can testify that each and every answer that advises you not to become a codependent caregiver is on point. Seek support for yourself as well as your Mom, no matter what decision concerning her health and care she makes. God Bless and good luck.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I know that my mom needs to grieve. And I want her to. I want to be able to grieve for my dad, the second most influential person in my life (next to her).

He was her caregiver, though, in so many ways and had been for years, even during his own illness. So she came to rely on him, or me, or a combination of both even when I wasn't living here.

Leaving her on her own is not an option. She would not make it a day without someone here to help (me or a caregiver). So until we can make some headway with bringing someone into the house that she feels comfortable with, I wouldn't do that to her. I know she knows that, and maybe she is taking advantage of it. But I don't think I could live with myself just walking out on her. If it was a question of her just not wanting to take care of herself, that would be one thing. But because she cannot handle basic functions on her own (bathing, getting in/out of bed, cooking, etc), I think that is setting her up for failure (which could lead to her trying to take her life while no one was here).

I want her to succeed, so that's what I continue to work on. Some days are good, some not so much.

Thank you for your suggestions and the support of someone who knows what this is like as an only child.
(1)
Report
Please please read the book Boundaries by Townsend. You’ll find a lot of practical tips. For your own mental health it appears to me that it’s high time you take the next step and find a caring home for her. My dad went in kicking but now admits he likes it.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
Thank you. I've just added it to my queue at the library.
(0)
Report
See 1 more reply
I sympathize with not wanting to be the "bad guy." I have one sister, and that is the role I have assumed in the care of our Mother. I am happy to take on that role because I live thousands of miles away and my sister is right there, dealing day to day. Not that I am always the bad guy----and neither are you.

Unfortunately, you don't have anyone to do that for you, so I hope you will recognize that many hard, but necessary, decisions in this situation cause you to feel this way. This may sound silly, but maybe you could talk to your "bad guy" side and give that side the job of being tough. Your "good guy" side gets to do all the loving things you are already so good at doing. Then forget about it. Do what is necessary.

This is just a cognitive trick, but it might help.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I am a Gemini, so I guess I kind of already have that in my personality. I do tend to play both roles with her already. I try to show her empathy because I know how terrified she is, but then sometimes I just try to say "suck it up, we've got to get through this!" I can't tell which sides she responds more to, and it really depends on the day.
(0)
Report
I could have have written the same thing MP1976. From “dumping” mom in a nursing home, the long distance from home, the stroke, the changes in attitude. I could not bring in outside help because she would fire them. Angry thoughts from mom on ALs. She might have to interact socially with others in an AL God forbid. I am not an only child but I hear you. We as children and family are forced into these caregiver situations by guilt mostly or money. Yeah, I get it...love our parents blah blah but...we are damaging our physical And mental health being pushed into this. I am so sorry for you and all the other children...not a great way to live...
Helpful Answer (3)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
"She might have to interact socially with others in an AL God forbid." Yes to this!

My mom is severely agoraphobic and is so scared of people not liking her that she never leaves the house (in addition to her mobility and chronic pain that makes it physically difficult). AND she also doesn't believe she's "an old person" who could live in an AL.

She'll be the young kid on the block at 63, for sure, but heck, she could use that to her advantage if she wanted to have friends. She seems to think the only people there will play bridge and talk about living through the Great Depression.

It is definitely tough for all of us. It makes me sad that we all do go through this to some degree, just some worse than others.
(1)
Report
I don't have anything better to say than what others have said here. Am in a somewhat similar situation with my Mom although each situation has its' own uniqueness too. Mom fought me on every issue that has come up. So I just learned to forge ahead with what I knew she needed. She was furious when I took her to get hearing aids. Now relies on them. She was furious when I took her to get a walker and extra furious when we went back for a wheelchair which she now relies on completely for mobility after having broken a hip and having surgery. Each time I did not say what we were doing- just took her! While these are much "smaller" issues than moving from her home- your Mom, like mine, has those preconceived ideas that are not correct and once she tries moving closer to your home or being in a care home for lunch as someone suggested- she may discover she actually likes it. Not easy but nothing is with our aged parents, is it? Hoping things will work out much better for you. You are doing an amazing job and have cared for your Mom giving so much. Time to care for both of you now. :)
Helpful Answer (6)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I hear you on the furious part. She gets so upset when I suggest we need to make appointments, that we may need to upgrade her from a walker to wheelchair, that she needs care I cannot provide. But she isn't mad at me, she is mad at herself and just cries uncontrollably for hours. It gives her the opportunity to remind herself (and me) that she is a failure as a person. She cannot take care of herself; therefore, she is a failure. She always says things like "if I was normal, this wouldn't be happening." Not that I really know what "normal" is, but she takes every chance she can get to knock herself down a few more pegs.

I guess that is what makes it hard for me to take the tough love approach. I feel sorry for her, that she could feel that way about herself. She doesn't believe she has any value, and so if I say "ok, sure, you're right," then I'm just validating it for her. Sometimes I think she wants me to, to give her permission to die. I just cannot do that, so I keep trying to get her to see that she matters to me.

It's a fine line between "you matter to me" and "I will give up my entire life, job, boyfriend, home to take care of you" in her mind. I think she thinks those two things are the same unfortunately.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and your encouragement.
(1)
Report
You can get a nurse to live with her. To take care of her. My mom put me through a roller coaster ride, dealing with her bi-polar Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde personality.
So I stopped. I pulled back. I think the most important thing is how you deal with
yourself. What boundaries will you have, how much are you willing to suffer
for your mother. When do you take back your life and find a way to balance both, you and your mother, without being miserable and resentful. You have one life and you are to be happy in this life. Mother's have a way of acting like we owe them, even if we are miserable they can care less. It is a control thing. I stopped this
craziness with my mother. She does not like when I tell her how I feel, and will blame me for everything that happens between us. She never says sorry, never is responsible, and just wants me listen to her problems endlessly. Calls me 3-6 times a day, just to listen to her babble about everything that makes her miserable.
I decided not to by a toilet for her. So now she has to deal with herself. And I feel
better that I put a boundary of self-love and self-care for myself. And if someone
else does not like it. oh well!
Helpful Answer (7)
Report

Perhaps you could hire a visiting nurse and a home health aide to come in a few hours a week so your mother gets used to other people caring for her. A physical therapist might be able to help her get more mobile so she doesn't spend so much time in bed. Medicare covers home care to a point.

You have my sympathy but she cannot ruin your life unless you let her.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
I'm working on it. January can't come fast enough to get some in-home care evaluations started.
(1)
Report
Oh, I feel for you and understand. It sounds so much like I went through when my father passed. My mother threatened suicide for a very long time. I could not express my feelings in front of her because I did not want her to feel worse. It was not unusual for her to call me 10 times a day and carry on and on. I knew she was in deep sadness with my father's sudden death. But this was more then dangerous for me, until I almost cracked. It was then that I knew I quickly had to take care of me and distance myself from her many phone calls, demands, etc. I went back to focusing on my life. Yes I made sure that she had everything needed to carry on with her life and over saw that. When she realized it was time for her to no longer cling to me for everything, she did carry on in a more normal greaving process. Of course tried to lay things on me quite often, but found that didn't effect me. She lived many years after that. In her later years I moved her into a condo near me, then became her caregiver through Alzheimer's, followed by placing her in a memory care home. With her personality, there were more struggles then smooth sailing BUT the main thing I learned and stuck with, was continue to be myself. Take time away from it all, catch my breath and do what ever it takes to try and stay sane. The same I do now as my husband's caregiver through Alzheimer's. Don't loose yourself!! My heart goes out to you and others going through similar. I often use to think.....oh my gosh, did I put you through such difficult times when I was a child growing up?! That gave for a little chuckle!
Helpful Answer (7)
Report
MP1976 Dec 2019
The reason I decided to see a therapist here instead of waiting to see my regular one at home was because I needed a place to say how I was feeling without the fear of my mom responding to my feelings with "see, it *would* be better if I was dead." She literally says that if I say I miss my old life or mention something that my boyfriend or my friends are doing without me,

I am trying to go out and do things for myself periodically. I got my nails done, I got a massage, I find cute dogs to pet.

I don't know about you, but I was a good kid. I didn't cause that much trouble, but maybe our parents feel differently about that and end up making sure they pay us back!
(0)
Report
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter