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My mother is independent living but has no interest in making any friends. She was very dependent on her sister and my dad who have passed. She wants to go places but wants family with her meaning my sister and I. We don't mind taking mom to some places but we need a break. Any suggestions?

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Yes. Do talk to her doctor. Five months is not very long. Two years isn't either. Is she a pet person at all? If so maybe a little dog would give her some company. An older one, not a puppy. Get her a baseline check up on mental health and a good physical to rule out any other health issues. I'm glad she is able to go to church and the grocery. An independent living facility or assisted living might be a good fit for her to settle in where she could come to feel more secure.
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I like the idea of talking to her doctor about being depressed and anxious. She made a comment that she was starting to get depressed before we drove down to see her.
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My mom does drive and goes to church on her own and will pick up a few groceries. The people at the church are friendly and very talkative with her while she is there but no contact outside of church. My aunt died about 5 months ago and dad died about two yrs ago. My mom is 84 and in pretty good health. She doesn't like living alone but we don't even entertain the thought of her staying with us. We have a two bedroom so no room anyway. We feel that she needs to get used to being by herself.
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How old is your mom? Does she have dementia? How long has it been since your dad and aunt passed? Does she drive? How often are you expected to accompany her out? Maybe a paid companion could help you and sister space out the outings and get her accustomed to other people besides family? Set some boundaries on outings. Perhaps once or twice a week for you and the same for your sister. Talk with her dr about her anxiety or depression. If this is a life time situation it will probably not resolve without considerable effort on you part as well as hers. Have you asked her to try things on her own? A class you could drop her off at doing something she enjoys might be a starter. Volunteering might make her feel useful. Tell us more about her and her life and we might have more ideas that can help.
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I haven't been able to get around this. My mother sees me like a cross between one of her legs and a security blanket. She won't leave home without me. Even when my brothers are there, she still wants me to be there. If I had to guess, it is because she sees me as her competency. As long as I am with her she is competent, and if anything bad happens I'll be there to fix it. The only thing I know that might work to break the dependency is to find another person she can depend on. That is easier said than done. Do you know anyone that your mother trusts a lot other than you and your sister?
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