Caregiving For The Elderly - In Your Own Home
I can only imagine what it would be like to live with me. I would not be as nice as my Mom has been to me.
The reason she has to live here is because I am the legal guardian and conservator to a non-minor (my mother). I am my mother's caregiver and my goal is to look out for her best interests daily, however, I am sure she would tell you differently.
The reason my mother lives with me is this: While addicted to drugs herself, she was in the ICU for the 3rd time in a few months and while living with my drug-addicted brother. The ICU doctor made it evident that she was not going to go back into that situation and that she either had to now live with another willing family member or be placed in a state institution (elderly home). I made it clear she would be coming home with us.
It is evident that she does not like living with me. She has said so to my brother and other family members and she has made it abundantly clear to me. I don't blame her for feeling this way because she has had many changes in her life recently.
My Dad died July 9, 2008 and that was shocking to my Mom. My parents were married 55 years shortly before my Dad's death. My Mom describes her decline as 'not taking care of herself' because of her husband's death. She has been an addict as long as I have known her (alcoholic) and she started abusing narcotics about 5-1/2 years ago.
At 76, my Mom has gone through two detox processes in our home. I am and always have been more than willing to care for my mother's needs, despite her addictions. Fast forward to now.
Now my Mom uses any opportunity she can to make it clear that she does not like living in our home. She gives me the silent treatment, doesn't talk with my kids much and shows a general disdain for the household & family. It is really getting old.
Everyone tells me it will get better and even that it has to get worse before it gets better. Hmm...I am wondering how this advice is a)helpful or b)true at this point. It has gotten worse and I don't see it getting better until she has 'her way'. She even told me, in front of my husband, "You're going to be sorry". Yeah well, she is right on that point for sure!
The reason she has to live here is because I am the legal guardian and conservator to a non-minor (my mother). I am my mother's caregiver and my goal is to look out for her best interests daily, however, I am sure she would tell you differently.
The reason my mother lives with me is this: While addicted to drugs herself, she was in the ICU for the 3rd time in a few months and while living with my drug-addicted brother. The ICU doctor made it evident that she was not going to go back into that situation and that she either had to now live with another willing family member or be placed in a state institution (elderly home). I made it clear she would be coming home with us.
It is evident that she does not like living with me. She has said so to my brother and other family members and she has made it abundantly clear to me. I don't blame her for feeling this way because she has had many changes in her life recently.
My Dad died July 9, 2008 and that was shocking to my Mom. My parents were married 55 years shortly before my Dad's death. My Mom describes her decline as 'not taking care of herself' because of her husband's death. She has been an addict as long as I have known her (alcoholic) and she started abusing narcotics about 5-1/2 years ago.
At 76, my Mom has gone through two detox processes in our home. I am and always have been more than willing to care for my mother's needs, despite her addictions. Fast forward to now.
Now my Mom uses any opportunity she can to make it clear that she does not like living in our home. She gives me the silent treatment, doesn't talk with my kids much and shows a general disdain for the household & family. It is really getting old.
Everyone tells me it will get better and even that it has to get worse before it gets better. Hmm...I am wondering how this advice is a)helpful or b)true at this point. It has gotten worse and I don't see it getting better until she has 'her way'. She even told me, in front of my husband, "You're going to be sorry". Yeah well, she is right on that point for sure!
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