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My 88- year- old mother only talks about herself now – that is complains. Her legs are weak, her new partial does not fit, her shoulder still aches, she doesn’t taste her food, she can’t hear me, her dog’s haircut was “lousy”, she feels tired all the time, the neighbor across the street still parks in front of her house, the doctors don’t know anything, workmen are not like they used to be, tells me how to drive, did I lock the doors – and this is on a good day!
I feel for my mom because she has the onset of dementia. She is forgetful. If I get a medication to help her (aricept) she complains that she takes enough medications and refuses to add a new one (even thought it would help her mind).
I also got her a medication to help her mood (effexor), which she also refuses to take. Of course, these were prescribed and recommended by her doctor.
She used to be a happy, outgoing person. It’s very sad. Selfishly, I try to get away at times to keep my sanity (the gym really helps!). This is one of the times I wished I had a sister to help. I speak with my mom several times a day and see her at least four times a week. One of my brothers calls her, on occasion. The other brother helps out by bringing food. She is old-fashioned and thus more appreciative of the little they do as sons and highly critical of anything and everything I do for her as a daughter. WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO?
My mom thinks I don’t listen to her – but she repeats and repeats and repeats things she tells me in the same day.
I respect anyone out there who is in this situation and can only hope you can handle it better than I can.
I do love my mother. I just want my old mother back!
