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Jacqueline789 Asked October 2016

My father exhausts my mom with his paranoid complaints.What do I do?

My mother has vascular dementia and my father a brain injury. My parents live in independent living with cargegivers coming into their home between 4 and 8 hours per day. I live 4 hours away. My parents will not move from their community. My mother has alzheimers. My father suffered a traumatic brain injury 3 years ago. Both have dementia, just very different. My mother is pleasant and loves to socailize. She has high anxiety. She needs help with bathing, dressing, personal grooming, and can not perform household tasks. Her memory is bad. My father is paranoid, very private and protective, and thinks he is fine. He does not need assistance with personal care or with other activities. His memory, judgement, and basic mental ability is getting worse. The caregivers we have are for my mother. My father hates them and thinks all they do is prepare meals. He thinks they have been "training" my mother to bathe herself, dress herself, etc and should be done by now. He thinks she does not need their help. He not only does not comprehend his true situation, he also does not comprehend my mother's true condition. He has been told to run his errands while caregivers are there yet he feels he must keep an eye on them and then drags my mother out after the caregivers leave. he leaves her in the car while he shops, etc. he probably should not be driving but if I stop that he will not use the services available and will walk to the store with her (has done in the past) - she can not make that walk anymore. He is so paranoid that he thinks I am stealing from him, conspiring with doctors against him, and constantly tells my mother that. He tells her over and over how all their problems are my fault and that he wishes i would move further away. He goes to the bank daily to make sure I am not pilfering their money, and is still sure I am. All his pestering of my mother regarding his paranoid thoughts are exhausting her and upset her so much she starts crying. She is going downhill. However, she depends on him and being away from him is very hard on her and has resulted in her dementia worsening in the past ( during his rehab, and during her own following hospital stay). I am currently planning on putting my mother in assisted living because she needs more care and supervision and to get away from his constant complaining. There is no way I am getting more caregivers hours in their home. I know he will not agree and he will push me completely out as being the cause of all their problems. I feel like I am just rambling and jumping around and not explaining very well, but I am so very distraught over what I feel I have to do, and what I think may result from it. So - I think I need to separate them due to my father's mental state and unability to comprehend and address my mother's dementia. I know my mother will not handle separation well and fear her dementia will progress rapidly due to it. I will probably hurt them both trying to help them, but leaving them as is is not working either. What do I do????

joannes Oct 2016
I have had responsibility for both parents at once too and it's pretty difficult, especially when they are not able to help each other. I agree with others who mentioned, could your parents be in different sections of an assisted living that provided both levels of care? Then under the same roof and staff could assure that they were together at times good for both of them. Dad would not have to go out and shop, because meals would be provided. Another thought....that I had to do....because I lived away from my parents. I utilized the MD to be the 'bad guy' who had to tell them things they didn't want to hear....Could you fax, phone or otherwise communicate with their doctors and ask for help in terms of making it clear that they needed more help? Would your Dad be able to understand if a doctor said your Mom could not cook or do things like walk a lot or be left in the car or dress or bath herself because of her dementia? Could he understand and would he understand better if her doctor said these things? And could the doctor prescribe some meds that would help Dad's paranoia and Mom's anxiety? IF you have the Medical POA and Hippa paperwork, then you would be permitted to talk with doctor. I used to have caregiver take my Mom to app'ts and then put the phone on speaker, so I could 'be there' for the app't. Dr and I went 'off speaker' if I wanted to say things and Mom not hear them, other wise, we were all on speaker and that way I could reinforce what the doctor said. My Mom would often not want to tell me what the doc said, but only tell me how she wanted it to be!! IF you are keeping them together with more caregivers....I've been there too....and YES....I found it much easier for everyone, to have fewer people, who were more consistent. I willingly paid one very excellent caregiver, more money and gave her the Mon through Fri hours she desired, and sort of made her the 'lead' one, so I would have only one taking Mom to appts and to the bank (concerns about money, stealing etc.) and also had her coordinate some things for the two other gals who came on weekends. It still was not easy, and when my main caregiver gave notice because she was starting nursing college, we then had to decide to move Mom into assisted living. My Dad had already passed on a few months before this.... Mom has been in A.L. now for almost a year. She recently went on a visit to a daughter out of state, and may be deciding she likes it better living with that family. In the end, Windyridge said it all.....we do the very best we can, but without total cooperation and understanding, all we can really do is keep our parents safe as possible. We can no longer keep them happy. Old age brings much negative with it, and those who age well, still have their minds and a positive outlook for every day. I am 72 with a 91 yr old Mom and a hubby with Parkinson's here at home. Been doing this for 4.5 years and its affecting my own health now. Not easy. Use us to talk with. JoAnne

moecam Oct 2016
I have moved both mom & dad closer to me - last time we did the long drive DH & I both started to fall asleep at wheel - I was joyous that when we got to hospital that dad was offered a room in nursing home just 17 minutes from me & 14 from mom but they don't see each other - they will only do so if both agree which won't happen in my lifetime!
Someone told me this years ago 'you are selfish if you don't take of yourself' - think where they could be if you were injured or sick so take care of yourself too - I know it can be hard but you'll see the results if you are hale & hearty to deal with their issues - good luck

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mally1 Oct 2016
My mom, too, is one fall away from skilled nursing. Her spine is deteriorating and barring intervention from God, she will end up there.... However, I will not be the one doing it; she has a doctor and a weekly RN, and can be sent BY THEM to rehab and then on the the nursing home, if it must happen. She has never let me have POA, and I'm fine with that, because she'd never forgive me if I sent her - does this sound familiar Jacqueline? You don't want to be the one to get either of them into care if you don't have to; the doctors can and usually will do it, so that you will continue to have a relationship with your parent(s) and be able to help some ongoing - as much as you can without wearing yourself out and shortchanging the rest of your family.

nature73 Oct 2016
Windyridge: Other than being only 6 hours away from my parents, my situation is the same as yours. I've tried for the last 2 years to get them to move to my city, but he has not done anything toward this end. Like you, I working on accepting that have done all I can do. Dad is 90 & mom is 87 & in pretty good shape. I wonder what they're waiting for? Trying to prepare myself for when I get "The call".

Llamalover47 Oct 2016
Okay, thank you Babalou and Send!

anonymous281963 Oct 2016
Folks with any kind of cognitive decline can become easily overwhelmed and agitated.

BarbBrooklyn Oct 2016
Llama, folks with dementia ( and yes, you can have both AD and VaD, my mom does) needs and desreve a calm and predictible environment.

I belive whatever decline was observed when dad was hospitalized was simply a more accurate assessment of what mom could "actually" do, as opposed to what dad " said" she could do.

Llamalover47 Oct 2016
Jacqueline789: I don't understand how your mother can be "exhausted" by your father since you state that your mother has "vascular dementia" AND "Alzheimer's." Her mind is broken from 2 diseases of the brain. I've never heard of something having both vascular dementia AND Alzheimer's. So how is she capable of being "exhausted by your father?"

anonymous281963 Oct 2016
Babalou,
Always good advice.
Jacqueline, you can trust the voice of reason coming from Babalou.

Dad_Was_Robbed Oct 2016
Just from your description I think you have your answer. You may very well have to get your mom into assisted living and get her out of the toxic environment. You can always find ways to keep her busy enough to keep her mind off of what's really hurting her. It's called diversion. You divert her attention on to something else and away from the toxic situation. Sometimes getting things done will require you to just do it because you can't argue with a demented patient or one who has Alzheimer's. I eventually realized I couldn't get through to my foster dad because he can't reason unless he happens to have a normal spell sometime during the right times of the day.

Sunnygirl1 Oct 2016
Babalou makes some good points. Continuing to allow people who are not functioning well, not exercising good judgment and placing their spouse in jeopardy, eventually has to be addressed. If your mom's dementia renders her helpless, she is at the mercy of her rational family members to protect her. Even if it's an unpopular decision and upsets someone.

Terezil Oct 2016
My parents are nearly in the same situation. I have moved in to help them. What is helping right now is a medication that greatly reduces the anxiety/paranoia. It has made my dad way happier and less stressed so much that my mother no longer needs blood pressure pills and my father also needs one type and not another he was taking. Still has some of the paranoia but both are way happier. He is also still very stubborn but easier. (I was able to suggest to the doctor a drug called Buspirone which is working well)

The other thing that has worked some for me is to write my father a letter that was very loving and factual. He is an intelligent man but because of the dementia and paranoia which was there even before, he can't remember my mother has Alzheimer's and that he has a dementia disease. I explained the history to him and talked mostly about the best way to help mom. I attached a half page list for both of their illnesses of the diseases and symptoms for the stages they are in as well as mentioned the doctor's diagnosis. This has really helped because of his logical brain. He realized the truth and understood more the situation. I don't know if this would help you at all but it is one of the things that has helped me.

BarbBrooklyn Oct 2016
My demented uncle dragged my aunt, who had broken her hip, around on a throw rug in their house for three days. when 911 tried to remove her from the home to a hospital, he attacked them. Please don't let this kind of thing happen to your mom.

I watched this play out for 10 years; again and again, EMS would show up and offer to take uncle in for a psych eval; I have very polite relatives who always said "no, thank you; we're managing". their dad survived her by three years, in memory care and then a VA facility. Once on the proper meds, he was somewhat manageable for the staff.

Look, I'm just passing on second hand experience. Folks who've done this themselves will have better advice.

Windyridge Oct 2016
Jac, I have a similar situation. I'm currently on my way home from dealing with my folks who are 12 hours from me. Dad has moderate dementia, no short term memory, we're just fine etc. and Mom is one fall away from skilled nursing care.

You and I and many others are in the same impossible place: elders are not quite legally incompetent, can't force them to do what's best, but for all practical purposes they are an inch away from disaster.

As tough as this sounds, bad stuff is going to happen and probably happen soon. My mom struggles around the house, has probably fallen since I left today, but she refuses any help much less assited living. She will end up in ER, then to rehab and then to skilled nursing care. Dad will then go to memory care, hopefully in the same facilty. And this is the way it will go for your folks.

After years of trying to perform miracles, worry and aggravation I accept this reality now. We do as much as we can, as much as elders will allow, and that's all we can do. I might have to drive back down next week or next year. Who knows....

cwillie Oct 2016
Is there nowhere in your area that provides multiple levels of care? Even if your parents can no longer share accommodations if they were in the same building or complex it would be possible for them to spend time together.

Sunnygirl1 Oct 2016
It sounds like your father may have more cognitive decline than he may be aware of. If he's not seeing that your mom needs more supervision and care, then, I would question his judgment. Lack of judgment and inability to see reality is concerning. I'd have to do what is right by mom, regardless of what he says.

Do you have her Healthcare POA and Durable POA? I'd get the input from professionals, such as her doctor and other professionals who do assessments and move her to where she needs to be. Your concern about her separation might be valid, but, her welfare must be taken care of. I'd keep in mind that with dementia, sometimes, it's not possible for the patient to be happy and content, regardless of where they live. If she's anxious or depressed, discuss medication with her doctor.

If you don't have the proper paperwork to act on her behalf or you fear your dad will forbid it, I'd get legal advice from an attorney, so you know your options. I wouldn't hesitate to go that route if necessary.

anonymous281963 Oct 2016
Jacqueline,
You are doing good so far! Yes, you should have asked your question. Bouncing this off so many others will help you, even if you don't agree, or even if the answers are not right for your specific family.

If you've read on here before, you will find that it is not uncommon for siblings to behave exactly as you have said about yours. You are not alone if you keep talking to the many caregivers on the forum who have been where you are, with varied outcomes. Your caregiver plans seem great! Let us know if that helps.

Now, do you know any ways to calm Dad down? Paranoia may subside, then get worse, then better. Does he have good days, then real bad? Notice if he is fed, does that improve his thinking? Does he take medication, or vitamins?

Focusing on your Mom's environment, improving Dad's outlook may ultimately help Mom. If you have to get Mom to a safe place, you will know when that time is right, and you don't ever need to feel bad about doing the right thing.

Still waiting for the experts (someone on here who has done this) to show up. They will come. You know to take care of yourself?

Jacqueline789 Oct 2016
Sorry - I see questions too late. my father will not accept any help or senior services for himself. So no daycare at senior center. He will walk a mile to the store and carry groceries home before he accepts senior transportation services. Stubborn and proud. I feel sorry for him - I hope he comes to grip with his situation so he can begin enjoying life again.

Jacqueline789 Oct 2016
Ok - some answers. I get calls from caregivers regarding the situation. I get calls from people they interact with. I hear from neighbors. I go see them once a week and my brother goes for weekends. My dad leaves me messages daily on my phone that very much illustrate his state of mind . I am sure I understand the situation.

My mother is paying for her caregivers (through me as poa) and soon her long term insurance will cover some of it. My dad would never agree to the cost of this 'unnecessary' service but it is working right now. He does not see the bills and I refuse to show him. With that, yes they can afford in home care. My dad would never accept caregivers for himself and would not qualify for his long term insurance benefits - the cooking / cleaning my mother's caregivers do is enough for him. Unfortunately they live in a pretty isolated community and good caregivers are hard to find.

As for my siblings - two have 'checked out' and do not want to be bothered, one lives too far away, and one is involved but too afraid to upset my dad. Two of them are an hour away from parents so closer than me.

Now that it is a new day and I have had some sleep - I will slow down with this. The best solution would be to have GOOD caregivers there all day. So - much to my dad's dismay, I am going to try to increase the caregiver hours, but only with the caregivers I know are good. Some of them deal well with my dad, others cower. Right now I have too many different ones - need to only have a few. I have been unable to get the good ones for every day in the past but I will be more insistent. They live in a small community so the pool of caregivers is small. This will be presented as a doctor requirement. Take the increased hours or Mom will be going to a facility.

Thank You for the help.

Jacqueline789 Oct 2016
I know dementia is a fatal disease and will progress - I just do not want to hasten that progression. I want my mother to enjoy what what is left of her life. My concern about separation is the rapid decline of my mother's dementia any time she is separated from my father. When my father had his accident and was nearly died in the hospital, she had to stay with family members. This was before many did not even know she had dementia. This lasted 6 months. She had to stay with family members. By the time they got back home she could no longer drive and had difficulty performing some regular daily tasks. She repeated the same stories over and over - mostly from her childhood. She still knew everybody, was bathing, doing laundry, etc. Meals were too tough because she could not follow recipes any more. My dad took over meals - microwave stuff. Then, Mom had a short hospital stay followed by two weeks in rehab. When she got home she did not recognize her home - kept asking why they were there (they had lived there 20 years), did not recognize some of her own children or any of her grand children.

She is now used to her environment and knows it is home - she still does not recognize many family members and needs caregivers for daily living. She is enjoyable to be around when she is in a good mood. My father can be very gentle and loving with her, but is not equipped to be a caregiver. He just goes off sometimes with his paranoia and denial of their situation.

There is no good answer to my question so I apologize for even asking it. There is a logical answer - separate them. If I did not love my parents and want the best for them that is what I would do. Somehow I have to find a way to balance the logic with the compassionate. I also have to put up with my 4 siblings who know something must be done but won't do anything - if my decision turns out to have bad results they will blame me as well. There is no good answer here except do my best and remain strong.

anonymous281963 Oct 2016
What about adult daycare for both at the senior center, taking the access bus?

anonymous281963 Oct 2016
First, slow down.
You may need help evaluating the situation with your parents.
Ask someone, 'What is the real difference between 'independent living with caregivers', and "Assisted Living"?? Would the difference be financial?
You say: "There is no way I am getting more caregiver hours in their home".
Can they afford this? Who is paying, you?

Can the caregivers presently take Mom out of the home for a few hours a week?
How does Dad do when left alone? Can they be taken separately on outings?
Can the attend Senior Center events, or go there for lunches? His behavior socially will become apparent in public-a way for a further assessment-with caregivers in attendance. Or, can they be safely dropped off at the senior center?

Again, just pondering here, about slowing way down. Especially when you are considering separating a couple who obviously are bonded (even if negatively);
are co-dependent upon each other (appears dysfunctional); and other dynamics that may have no cure or resolution.

If you are 4 hours away, how and in what ways are you getting your information?
Not to question the accuracy of your own assessment by any means-you are probably very correct. Do others see it too?

If Mom were away, in Assisted Living, it sounds like Dad would also require caregivers due to the TBI. Are you able to plan for that? Do you have POA for either, or both parents?

You have a very difficult situation there, it must be very hard. Discussing the plans and ideas here will help you. I agree with Babalou, you have some very difficult decisions to make. And your Mom's illness would require a peaceful environment! On top of that, Dad's illness sounds unstable-he too is not to blame.

Are there siblings to consult or to help you?

And finally, don't believe for one New York minute, that you are to blame.
With enough information, you can figure this out, what is best for both parents.
Hope you can do this without losing yourself in the process. Don't feel bad that you will need a lot of help. Help is on the way....

BarbBrooklyn Oct 2016
One of my cousins was in this exact situation several years ago, for several years. It was not handled well.

Is your dad followed by a geriatric psychiatrist, who might be able to medicate the paranoia? If not, I would get him evaluated for psychiatric meds, either by taking him to a geriatric psychiatrist, or by requesting that he be "Baker Acted"--a 72 hour involuntary psychiatric inpatient evaluation. Talk to his PCP about how to best get him evaluated for meds. There are now Senior Behavioral inpatient facilities that specialize in this sort of evaluation.

One thing you need to remember. This is NOT YOUR FAULT, even though your dad says it is. Your mother has a fatal disease called dementia. She needs and deserves 24/7 care and a restful environment, not the ravings and "ministrations" of your unhinged father. What she "wants" right now? Are you really thinking that the dementia patient should be driving the bus? If her dementia progresses when separated from Dad, it's because her dementia is progressing. Not because of any of the many difficult choices you are going to have to make.

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