Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
D
Deb704 Asked September 2019

It has become apparent that dementia has arrived for my Mom, she has been very mean and demanding. Any advice?

It has been a slow progression over the past 10 years, but I have discovered that she not only has been mean and demanding but she actually has been bad mouthing me to individual family members as well. It is very disheartening, because she has been doing this with, not only my Dad and brother, but with my two children as well. I have said nothing, but I would like to be able to feel better about the damage she has done in an empathetic manner and not feel so bad. Any advice?

Shell38314 Sep 2019
Can I just say that I am sorry that you and your family are going through this nightmare had gone through it myself! I prayed a lot and had to learn to grow a thick skin, which I thought I had from working in public, but how different it is coming from your own mother; however, my mother did a complete turn around for the most part! I pray that your mom will do the same.

And as always come on here to rant or vent this is a good place to just get your feelings out and get information!

Don't forget to take time for yourself!

Hugs!!!
Deb704 Sep 2019
Thank you for your reply! It is different coming from your own mother! Just hearing from people that are or have experienced what I am going through has definitely helped be put all of what I am going through in perspective. I do pray for strength and compassion and am grateful to have found this forum!!!
SKuilan Sep 2019
It's part of the illness - be patient - think of her the way it was before the illness - pray a lot !! Keep the faith
Deb704 Sep 2019
Oh, thank you so much for your reply. It is funny that you should say remember how it use to be, because I have been trying to do that! Just sad that she is undermining my relationships with other family members. Hope that the damage is repairable. I have avoided saying anything to those she has bad mouthed me to, because I do not want any escalation at this point. Thank you again!

ADVERTISEMENT


AlvaDeer Sep 2019
Acceptance. It is the disease. It won't get better. Rarely do people get entirely sweet, though that CAN happen as well. Usually it becomes paranoia and complaints and it is somewhat of a habit. Like seniors complaining about the institutional cooking at their Assisted Living.
It is painful for certain. Here you are trying to make all these things better as time goes on and THIS is the thanks? Unfortunately, yes. Try your best not to react until you are out of earshot (then shriek, scream and rend your hair). If you react TO her you will just feel guilty afterward, because inside yourself you KNOW this is the disease talking. It is just it sounds like Mom; it LOOKS like Mom, and as kids we have learned quickly to have that sinking feeling in our guts when Mom is unhappy.
So sorry you are experiencing this. But you DO know the reality. Try not to dwell on it when it is over. And honestly, try to spend a little bit less time listening to it. If others are bringing this to you, about what Mom is saying about you, hubby, the kids? Time to STOP THEM AT ONCE. This is very wrong. Kindly tell them gently that these things are very painful; that they are a part of her dementia, and that you don't wish to hear it any more from anyone, as that makes it so much worse. They will feel RIGHTLY ashamed of themselves. There is no reason to burden you more.
Deb704 Sep 2019
Thank you for your reply because it is very helpful indeed. If family members are immersing in her prattle then shame on them! You are so right! Thank you for your input!
Daughterof1930 Sep 2019
A combination of distance and acceptance. Distance, some physical, but mostly emotional, will protect you. And acceptance, because this will be a new chapter, one that doesn’t get better. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this
Deb704 Sep 2019
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question and worry. Mom is resentful of the distance both emotional and physical that I have set in place at this time, but I see that I have been handling it correctly. Just needed to sound off to folks who know and understand. Again, thank you so much for your response.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter