My 78 yr old mother behaves as if she's helpless whenever she is with my sister and I. Cant stay awake, slurs her words, can hardly walk, forgetful and complains constantly. Expects us to wait on her saying I don't know whats wrong with me and I can't help it. This went on the entire 4 days we were together on a camping trip. She then receives a phone call from her girlfriend and low and behold she no longer is slurring her words, she is happy, laughing, and planning her next music outing. Even tells her she is having a great time with her daughters. Yes my mother still drives, attends music events were she sings and plays guitar, and has a social life that is until she is with us. If we make a comment about her complaints and unwillingness to do anything for herself she becomes defensive and angry. This is a new situation for us and unsure how to respond to this behavior, She does have a treated mental illness. I am so upset with her acting this way that I'm having a hard time being around her but can't leave this all on my sister.....HELP
A girls' camping trip sounds like it could be fun. Not MY idea of fun, but many people's. How about your mother? Was she enthusiastic about camping? She's nearly 80 and it is possible some of the rigors of camping are beyond what she cared to do. If I graciously went along with my kids on a camping trip in spite of it not being my things, I have to admit I'd expect them to take my age into consideration and "wait on me" at least some.
Does this behavior occur whenever she is with you, or was the camping trip an extreme? What if you go to a music event with her? What is she like then?
And I think Babalou's wondering if her meds need adjusting is worth considering.
Now what?
If you could be certain this were the case, how would you handle this?
That being said, given the weakness and slurring of speech, I would be making a neuro appointment for her or encouraging her to make one. Keep a log of your observations to take to the appointment with you.
and you know, it's easier to hide symptoms when you're in a crowd. You may simply be noticing this stuff when you're alone with her.