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My mother has lived with my family for a year. Prior to that she lived directly next to us. Gradually she needed more attention and we had the right size house to make some modifications and move her in with us. She uses a walker and oxygen at all times. She is hard of hearing. She has arthritis.


My mom is an only child and has always needed a lot of care and attention. My dad did this until he died, and loved taking care of her. Gradually she has become more dependent and just lets us do everything. Her list of illnesses is long, and mostly self inflicted: years of inactivity, smoking and chocolate.


My sister has also made modifications to her home and my mother spends about a week a month with her. My sister is married, but they have no children. When she is there, my sister makes a schedule for her, including everything: even showering. She follows up, make charts, has a notebook and a calendar.


I am not willing to do that. I have a husband and our child (11) that I take care of. I cook for my mom, take her to all appointments, include her in family events, love her. But she is capable of taking care of herself more than she does. She is capable of showering without we reminding her. She is capable of walking out to the kitchen to heat of leftovers. She is capable of so much more than she will do.


My sister, while she doesn't say it, thinks I should also make a schedule, and such, for her. I'm not doing it. I resent that my mother is putting me in the position to be her mother, when it isn't necessary.


How do I motivate her, without becoming her mother?

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An outside/inside take on this. I am a caregiver for Alzheimer's/Dementia seniors. I am also in some ways where your Mom's at - a serious look into the mind of a 72-year-old widow is at in her head. I have no interest in anything, except sleeping - a great escape from reality. The reality being that I don't want to be "here" anymore. I am preparing myself to go home - it's got to be better than here. I'm worn out from living, worrying about the ones that don't give a tinker's d*** about me. So, maybe this is where your Mom's at, in her reality. She's used to total attention - not doing anything, your Dad did it all. By your sister keeping charts, in a small way, it's total attention for your Mom. Treasure her, no matter what, cause when her life journey is done, you'll miss things you can't imagine. Prayers
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Sendhelp Jun 2021
Jazzy,
You know that you need to care about yourself first. I trust that.

Especially as a private-duty caregiver, only you know what caregiver burn out is. Maybe you need more than a break from the end-of-life focus?

There was a few months this past year that I thought to become one with my bed, just melt away between the sheets, and stay asleep.
That time passed by, and I am feeling more hopeful now. You can too.

Can you see and visit some people that are not clients/patients? Maybe a friend who really does care about you?

Peel yourself out of your bed now and then, see what the outside has to offer you. Take walks. Get your hair done, fix yourself up.

Check in with us, often if you like. 🤗
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You do enough as it is for your mother. Why is your sister demanding you make a schedule too? You might want to talk it over with your sister why you are not doing this schedule and see why she doesn't want to do it anymore. Can you move her to an assisted living facility or in home care if your sister still doesn't want to do this?
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Don’t let your sister force you to play by her rules! Handle the situation how it works for you when mom’s at your house. Set your own boundaries. Don’t be bound by others’! It stressful enough as it is isn’t it?!
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Sounds like your sister is aware of your moms lackadaisical personality traits and is attempting to keep her on task with a schedule.  Maybe that is the only way she can get your mom to do what she needs to do. 

I would give the schedule a try.
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I need some clarification.

Your sister may seem a bit OCD, but she does have notes to refer to how much mom eats, bathes... That can be helpful for you when she "gives mom back to you"

You write that your mother is capable of doing so much more. How does your sister know if mom is not eating enough or having other problems when it is her turn to give care?
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what would happen if you too followed the schedule set up by your sister? It's worth a try. Also, it would show your mother that the rules and routines are the same for her regardless of where she is living that week.
And, you may just find out that it could work to your advantage. Your mother would know her role and may even free you up.
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When your mom stays with your sister, is your mom more independent with assistance of a schedule? If so, maybe you should consider making one. I understand you not wanting to, but if it helps, give it a try. Maybe your Mom wants you to do everything because she craves the attention, wants your attention or does she feel you “owe” her? Only saying this because I experience similarities to your situation. My mom also has health issues due to smoking and drinking for years. My mom will not ask me to do something for her. She will hint around and say something that she needs to do. I know she can do it, but she does not want to or she waits until I can.
Last but not least, most importantly- remember this-
you are a wonderful daughter and your mom is blessed to have you. You take care of your family and your mother. Do what works for you and your family. Sounds like you are busy but also remember to take care of yourself, too. Your child is also seeing how you love your mom and if you need help in the future, your child will be there, too! Family is important! It the foundation of our todays and tomorrows. May God bless you!
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I am only child, never married, never had children. As my mother was recovering covid it brought a warm feeling to my heart that I could "be her mother." Not meant to be. I don't want to be mothered, but I would like a supportive environment where I can be successful.
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Imho, you are NOT your mother's mother, but her caregiver. Just because your sibling makes lists, you do not have to follow suit.
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NeedHelpWithMom Jun 2021
Amen!
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First you must realize - you and your sister have different personal lives. What works for one would not work for the other. Therefore, when it is your time to help, YOU have to set the BOUNDARIES in stone. Explain why it is different - different responsibilities, etc. - and this is what you are prepared to do. Tell her she is quite capable and MUST do some things for herself or they just won't get done. If she is not satisfied, tell her she must work it out to stay with your sister. YOU get to set the rules in YOUR house - and stand your ground and don't give in
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Yes, I believe at some point in our parent's life we become our parent's parent. Having said that, of course you can't treat them as a child - its demeaning.

Do you want mom to continue living with you? If so, I'd put together general schedules for her, print them up on the computer and put them on her door. What do you want mom to do daily, a couple times a week or weekly? Put checkboxes on them so mom can check them off when she completes them. Once you have the schedules made up they're done (unless they need reviving) and you just print off the appropriate schedule. You don't have to make them as specific as your sister does.

DO NOT cater to her - if she is able to do something gently but firmly tell her that it is good for her to do for herself and if she wants it to please do it herself. By doing everything for her - you are allowing/making her even more dependent on you. She needs to learn to have some independence to keep her mind active.

Does your child have chores s/he's expected to do? Do you remind him/her to do them? Well assign your mother chores (in addition to those on her to do list) and if you have to, remind her too. (So in this way you have 2 children - not one.)Can she fold her clothes? if not have her fold towels and washclothes. You know her capabilities - give her chores that fall within her abilities - can she help with meal prep/washing up? Maybe your child and mother can take turns.

If you do not want mom to continue to live with you, will sis take her full time with you taking her for sis' respite? If both of you are a no, then work together to find mom the appropriate facility - IL or AL and place her in the one that is the best fit for her.

Blessings on your and your entire family.
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This really hit me. Although my mother is in memory care now, due to Alzheimers Disease, I purchase her clothes, act as her health POA, pay her bills, and see that she has the personal items she prefers. Many days she is so child like that it breaks my heart. When I was a child, Mom was emotionally abusive to me and my younger sister (2nd in the birth order). Not so for brother (#3) and youngest sister (#4). When Mom gets belligerent and unreasonable, it takes so much for me to deal with it due to all the years of abuse. But. I do find great joy in caring for her. Good thing my children are all grown. However, at 71, it takes so much out of me.
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Dear Jamiehelpsmom,

just some taughts to share. I have heard from professionnals in caregivers support group conferences, that the worst thing you can do for a person with declining abilities, is to do for them what they can do themselves. Tou are contributing to their decline by not letting them keep busy and active ( a small walk to the kitchen counts as exercice, getting dressed is good for memory , fine motricity etc), it is good for their self-esteem , and it is good for them that you keep your energies for what they cannot do ...and for the long run...

As for your sister doing it differently, she doest it differently from you, you do it differently from her... I guess she doesn't have to do it like you and you don't have to do it like her. If there is a book with the exact right and wrong ways described ...we are still looking for the first copy. There can be more than one right way...

And, just because you mentionned it, needing attention etc has nothing to do with beeing an only child. It is a myth that many studies have proven wrong. I am sure you know more than one person with that "need" that have their "siblings" complaining about it...It is in fact sad that the "only childs" are de facto tagged with these stereotypes and hear that about them.

Good luck
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Dear Jamiehelpsmom,

just some taughts to share. I have heard from professionnals in caregivers support group conferences, that the worst thing you can do for a person with declining abilities, is to do for them what they can do themselves. You are contributing to their decline by not letting them keep busy and active ( a small walk to the kitchen counts as exercice, getting dressed is good for memory , fine motricity etc), feeling still able is good for their self-esteem , and it is good for them that you keep your energies for what they cannot do ...and for the long run...

As for your sister doing it differently, she doest it differently from you, you do it differently from her... I guess she doesn't have to do it like you and you don't have to do it like her.

And, just because you mentionned it, needing attention etc has nothing to do with beeing an only child. It is a myth and stereotype that many studies have proven wrong. I am sure you know more than one person with that "need" that have their siblings complaining about it... It is also sad for these children to be tagged with this stereotype and grow up hearing that about them.

Good luck
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No you are not her mother but you are her caregiver. I remember being very frustrated with my mother when I thought she was just being lazy and spoiled. Then I learned that apathy is one of the symptoms of dementia. Apathy is the inability to motivate one’s self. My mother would even exclaim “I can do it myself!” And then she would just sit in her chair. Once I shifted my mindset and accepted that she had a real disability, things became easier because I was able to let go of my anger.
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Believe it or not, having a schedule and reminding her this is the day for shower, change sheets on the bed, etc will make it so much easier on you. When I switched to the schedule for my Mother it made it so much better. It really opened up free time for me. Schedule things for her so not to interfere with your plans. I know it is easy to think our parents should know enough or be able to do these things on their own without being told by the younger generation, but as a person ages they just might need that extra help. Try not to be upset with the idea of this, just think back to the days when you were young, that you knew it was time to brush your teeth, take a bath, etc. Now you will not be taking on the Mother roll, but doing this together and believe me it will give you wonderful memories down the road. Sounds like she has a wonderful family.
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Motivate her to do for herself by making her do for herself. There's a saying that you'll hear often around here in this group.

"Enabling is disabling".

You say she is capable to maintain her own personal hygiene and get her own food. So she's still mobile. That's good.
When she starts to feel uncomfortable from not being clean, she'll get up and take a shower. When she's hungry enough and realizes that no one is jumping up to wait on her, she'll get up and go to the kitchen. Then make her start doing her share of the household chores. She is limited from being on oxygen and other health problems so you'll have to pick things she can do. Like making it her job to fold the family's laundry. Or help prepare dinner by peeling the potatoes or cutting up the vegetables. These are jobs that can be done sitting down.
You'll see an improvement in her if she has something to do. I've been in elder homecare for a long time. Many times an elderly person will act a lot worse off than they really are because that's when they get attention. Like a child who has a 'boo-boo'. Give mom some responsibility. Granted, she'll probably complain incessantly behind your back to anyone who will listen about how terrible you are but in her heart she'll be grateful.
Your sister is wrong with all the charts and schedules because she's treating mom like an incompetent and invalid patient who is incapable of doing anything for themselves on their own. She's not doing her any favors with this enabling. If your sister wants to play nurse then she should go volunteer at a nursing home.
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Sounds to me like you are aggravating yourself. "I am not going to do ____". Think of it as hubby is supposed to take the trash out every day, but he walks out the door each morning in a rush (because he's always running late) and forgets the trash more often than not. You can say "I'm not going to do it", leave it there, and each time you pass it you get angry again. By the time he gets home, you are ready for a full blown argument and he is blindsided! You're the only angry one in the room. I bet you watch mom forget to do things all day long, not get up enough, etc and you stew over what she's not doing.

You already have a sister who created charts that you say work. Be glad you have it already done for you. Use the charts. If she doesn't have a printer - buy her one. Sign her up for a printer ink program (like HP instant ink) to make sure she doesn't run out of ink. Take a ream of paper. When you pick mom up, make yourself copies of the charts for your own house.

Call the doctor and ask if he can order in-home care - physical and occupational therapy - to get mom up and moving more. To add to her physical duties, figure out what she really can do. You can tell her to do these things and aggravate yourself each time you remind her - OR - since you know charts work. . . make a chore chart. Even an 11 year old can benefit from a chore chart - get the 11 year old to make the chart for both kid/mom and they can remind each other. And 11 year old can do exercise class w/g'ma - leg lifts, walk from living room to bedroom 4 times, arm lifts using bottled water as weights.

Think about all the things you do each day for hubby and child that, in reality, they could do themselves and save you a step. Maybe you hold on to a little anger from those tasks, too? Ease up on yourself.

You already know if you don' remind mom, she won't self motivate. Figure out the way with least effort on your part. Don't dig your heels into the dirt - mom's care is going to be increasing. Have the chat with mom about: if you don't start moving around, you're going to end up in a chair unable to do so and I can't take care of you like that. - Can sis do 2 weeks a month? Maybe it would help to change this to a 50-50 caregiving deal? Just a thought.
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The way to motivate her is plainly not doing for her as long as you're sure she can do it for herself.

Have a talk with your mom and let her know how you feel and tell her what she does at her other daughters house is one thing but what she does at your house is another, then do a One Time List and Post it On Her Bedrooms Wall the things you expect her to do on her own and then Don't do any of those things posted!

If your Mom and or Sister don't like it, then tell your sister you'll be more than happy to switch with her and let your mom live with her and you will take mom one week a month.
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I had to have my dad on a schedule due to his multiple medications. However, I had to be flexible with other things. Everyone is different in their approach to caregiving. Your mom is with you the majority of the time. Do what works for you and your family. No matter her current abilities... she will continue to need more assistance and management as time goes on. Maybe tell your sister what an amazing caregiver she is...but continue to do your own thing... only my thoughts. Hugs to you for taking this on! You have plenty to manage!
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Carry on in the way that suit you if it is working for everyone concerned, and let your sister do it her way. There is no right or wrong system, your sister obvously finds her lists useful, you don't need them - that's fine. Sister needs to accept that what suits her doesn't suit you - you each have your own ways of managing. If she doesn't want to follow your way, why does she think you should follow hers. Just tell her adequate care for your mother is what matters not how it is achieved with or without bits of paper.
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my2cents Jun 2021
Actually, I took her post to mean mom doesn't do things she wants her to do when at her home. Lists working for sis. Maybe I read it wrong.
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My story - well almost -- Mom may be able to do more than she does right now, but chances that is not going to last much longer.

Is there memory loss, has that been checked? Changing the rules as often as they are right now is -- from what I read - already becoming an issue for your Mother. Was she doing more for herself a while back? Or is this new behavior?

Some how you and your sister need to come to a space where Mom and her abilities are center. I doubt that your mother realizes that she is becoming as needy as you perceive.

And, as hard to hear as this may be, she does feel your resentment of her needs. She will never voice it, but my first hand experience with this says it is true. You could ask her about this, but she will deny it. Until it was pointed out by someone outside of the family, I couldn't see it either.

I won't keep going as this was hard enough to hear. Good Luck and God Bless
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People differ.

The List Makers, the Planners: who plan a family function, set date, set time, set location.

Then there's the Last Minuters, the Spontaneous: it's a lovely night, let's meet up for a BBQ tonight.

You & your sister may not be so extreme as that.. but just differ - and that's ok. Your sister's lists may be great for her, but do not have any place in your home (unless you want them).

Let me ask - Does Mom like rotating homes? Different rules? Or is she ready to hang her hat (her O2 actually) in one location, have her meals prepared, her bed made etc. She sounds worn out to be honest.

PS If Mom does need most or everything done for her (or will soon) - that does not mean it has to be by you!
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Dear Taylorb1,
I started caring for MIL 17 years ago. Like you, I was sure she could do more for herself than she did. I resented being asked to give more than what I perceived she needed.
Frustration levels rose, until I realized, MIL really couldn't do as much as I thought she could. She wasn't being difficult on purpose. Even though she seemed mostly capable, she really couldn't work the tv remote, the microwave, bathe, brush teeth, etc. What I thought was lazy, manipulative, spoiled behavior, was really beginning dementia.
To keep yourself sane, decide now how much you care you can give. You cannot give what you do not have.
Have a heart to heart with sister, and work out a plan.
If your Mom really can do for herself, have a heart to heart with her also. Put in place the boundaries of what you can do for her, and what she must do for herself. When she can no longer do these things, she will need to move someplace that can provide them.
Just an FYI, as time goes on, I find myself doing more for MIL than I ever thought I would. You kinda grow into this caregiver role, through the weariness, past the frustration, and into a peace that you are sacrificing for a weaker soul.
God bless.
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CaringTexan Jun 2021
Having walked in these same shoes I can confirm that in the early stages of dementia, family members, including myself, often translate our loved one's inabilities as laziness or obstinate behavior. It is a shame that we often aren’t able to distinguish one from the other. My thoughts and sometimes thoughtless responses would have been entirely different had I known then what I know now. We do “grow into this”.

Thankfully I finally did recognize mom's behavior was due to dementia. Often people think of dementia as being an inability to remember and it is. Yet it is an inability to remember “how to” as much as “who, what and where”. Caring for one with dementia takes a long term commitment as you watch your loved one regress from a vivacious, loving person to one who can no longer even communicate. Always remember the person you love is still inside the person who has become a stranger to you as you have become to them. Love them as long as she or he is alive. You will have no regrets.

Knowing this is a long term commitment that drains your energy and time, you need to be certain you are able to provide the care that they require. It can turn your family's world upside down or make it stronger thru working together to provide the care that is required. Some can maintain this care in their own home. Others must rely upon other care facilities. You have to do what is best for all members of your family. It takes many prayers and much reflection to come to peace with sharing your home and heart with someone who cannot assist in her basest needs. We have grown with Mom's needs but it has been one of the biggest challenges of our lives. I say “our” because my husband is as much a part of this caregiving as I am. God will and does bless you in this endeavor. Love and prayers.
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Talk with your sister. About why she does that.

When my dad was in his late 's70 my sister and I traveled from Alaska to Portland frequently to help keep our Dad's life organized. My brother felt like you do. That we were being indulgent -- that our Dad was capable of doing a lot more. But what we saw when we were with him any amount of time is that he needed help. For whatever reason, our brother couldn't or wouldn't see the impact of aging on our Dad.

On another note, the roles reverse as aging occurs. Don't forget that you are modeling for your 11-year-old how she should respond to you when you have aged to the point of needing help.

You are not your mother's mother -- but you may need to be your mother's caretaker.
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If your Mom is capable of doing by her own, I think you should talk to her, knowing that all her life she's being care of, and explain to her you also have responsibilities. Ask her in a very respectful manner, to be of your help. Being nasty, or rebellious to her, it's not going to help. Also I suggest, start looking for help if she's getting to complicated. Find out with her Dr. If she/he knows of an agency and can refer her. Also find out if that can be covered by her health insurance. Or if she have a house, sell it and use that $ for her care. Another detail everyone missed is this one. You wrote: "She uses a walker and oxygen at all times. She is hard of hearing. She has arthritis". I work with this clients. They hardly can walk due to 2 things: 1- lack of full oxygen and 2- arthritis. Which is very painful and can slow down everyone, including yourself. Start looking for help. Don't ignore these symptoms, get all the help you can and start enjoying your life and eventually hers.
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I sympathise with you my mother was the same I am on my own work full time and was run ragged with her constant demands she lives by herself and has Carers she phoned me constantly during the day and it was affecting my work she wanted everything done for her and I was at breaking point so now when she calls me to phone the doctors I say no I’m busy do it yourself when she wants her washing done I now say no I’m busy do it yourself as I know she can she complains constantly about the Carers putting too much butter in her toast so again I say stop moaning get up and do it yourself you need to be cruel to be kind unfortunately and if your sister is willing to do what she does then let her but just let her know your life is busier than hers and you will do it your way good luck
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cweissp Jun 2021
I don't believe you have to be cruel - firm - but never cruel. I'm sorry but cruelty is a form of abuse.
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Maybe your sister just does it to be organized. I write everything down, because otherwise I forget what I intended to do.

It seems you're wasting a lot of brain power on this. Do what works for you, and let Sis do what works for her.
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LittleOrchid Jun 2021
So true. My sister and I have entirely different modes of dealing with things. She also makes charts and assignments. (Retired teacher.) My other sisters and I often opt out of the schedules, but we appreciated her efforts at keeping things organized and clear. Sometimes those charts can be a lifesaver. If they work for the mother, the Sis may want to have a copy of the chart and put it up in her house, too. Throw it away if it is too much trouble.
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Be nice to your unsuspecting sister by asking her for a copy of Mom's schedule
that she uses when Mom is there.

Then, copy the schedule and hand it to your Mom, once a week.

Ask your sister to call Mom once a day to remind her when to shower.

All sorts of things you can, or choose not to do. I would start with rebellion.
After all, you are still the daughter.

Have fun with this.
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Taylorb1 Jun 2021
You are saying she is still the daughter is a bit harsh people are at breaking point with some elderly people and have their own lives too.
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I agree that at this point Mom is capable of doing and thinking for herself. Yes, she has some physical challenges but not to the point that you have to "mother" her. Problem is Dad spoiled her. Which is not good for the people that care for her now.

Sister making her little list is OK for sister but not your thing.
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