My mother and I have never gotten along. She's been very critical of me from day one and never misses the chance to get in a "dig" about my driving, my weight, my looks, etc.
I've tried limiting my time with her and that has helped A LOT! But, when I DO have to talk with her on the phone or take her to an appointment, it's awful!
I've tried telling her how her comments hurt me, but she's oblivious. Says she's only trying to "improve me".
I have found alternate transportation for her, which she uses occasionally. She still lives in an apartment, but no longer drives. She's 87.
I'm her only nearby relative, and her POA...I'm "IT"!
I suppose that I am more tolerant with my parents. BOTH of them constantly criticize my driving. I mean, every minute they are telling me, watch out, turn here, check that way, slow down, etc. AND this is while I'm going the speed limit or slightly below. They are hyper vigilant when passengers in a car. EXCEPT NOT when they ride with other drivers. Just me. lol (Also, I'm a safe driver. Very responsible.) I just laugh out loud. I think it bothers them, but, I don't care. Sometimes, I say, "Can you believe that I've been driving for over 35 years and never caused an accident?" OR, "I figure out how to get home by myself all the time. It's a miracle." lol I try to make light of their crazy behavior.
With my mom, I'll say, "Mom, I know that you don't like those tops with the cut out sleeves, but, they are fashionable and I bought one. So, just be warned. lol
My dad and I disagree about politics all the time, but, I try to ignore him and consider that we will never agree. We are just different. And what does it matter in the scheme of things? I try to bring up something that I know we can agree on, like animals or cars.
So, I think it boils down to trying not sweat the small stuff. If you're really hurt by her words, I'd attend to that, but, if it's just trivial stuff, I'd try to let it roll off your back. Oh, also, if she's getting cognitive decline, that could be making her agitated and critical. That sometimes happens.
And as long as it upsets you, she's likely to continue this behavior. So, I think the questions might be to ask yourself if you want to continue allowing her upset you (and I'm certainly not suggesting that you're enabling her on purpose) or step back, take a good assessment of the situation, and decide to stand up for yourself and challenge her.
Some suggestions as a retort:
"I'm sorry I don't meet your standards." If you want to equally nasty, you can tell her she doesn't meet yours either. Then leave or hang up the phone.
Or, perhaps: "I'm sorry you don't think I'm a good (person) (caregiver). So I'll leave now and you can find somebody who meets your standards.
That takes a lot of nerve so think it over. It also requires a change from being passive to being more independent if not aggressive. It's not a solution for everyone.
But recognize that SHE is not going to change, so you can try to change your attitude by ignoring it or responding with a retort.
Your mom does not yet see you as an adult. Sometimes leaving the nest also means not picking up the phone and not caring so much about what our families think about us.
Have you even considered going "no contact' for a couple of weeks or a month?
The other option would be to be very direct - "Mom, I've tried to tell you how your criticisms hurt me, but you don't listen. So from now on, whenever you criticize me for anything, I'm out of here (or off the phone)." Then do it! "Oops, sorry, mom, you just criticized my driving. I'll get you to the doctor's office, but you'll have to call a cab home. Maybe the cab driver will drive to your satisfaction." Try that once or twice and she may change her tune.
What she doesn't realize (and you don't realize yet yourself) is the dynamic has changed. YOU hold the cards. She needs you, you don't need her. She dishes it out because she thinks she still has the power and you take it and quietly steam. Change the dynamic because YOU hold the power now. See what happens. And please let us know how you're doing, we care.