My mother is constantly talking about having no energy and being sick. She doesn't want to drive anymore so relies on me to pick her up groceries and things. We have been to several doctors who have checked her and have found no real health issues. She makes me feel guilty that I dont stay with her but I have a husband and son at home. I tell her she needs to get some fresh air and leave the house but she refuses. What do I do?
My 97 year old cousin doesn’t even use a cane! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone got around like my cousin.
Another poster here says that you should only feel guilty if you’ve done something wrong. Wanting to take care of your responsibilities as a wife and mom is not wrong.
She is forgetting how it was being young with a young family. She probably is scared of going out alone.
You are right, your Mom needs to get out and do something she enjoys. I know for myself, I do volunteering at a local hospital and it a good-feel type of experience. There are other places that need volunteers. Even a thrift shop, or a library.
One step at a time.
If you accompanied your mother to these appointments, were you confident that she was telling the doctors the whole truth? The reason I ask is that your profile lists incontinence and sleep disorders among her issues, along with anxiety, and these can be difficult problems for a person to communicate accurately.
Fresh air and getting out of the house would do anyone a power of good, I agree. But if you are depressed and incontinent, and you haven't had a proper night's sleep, it's easier said than done. Is anyone else in regular contact with her, or is it all down to you?