My father and I tag team taking care of my 82 yo grandmother he works full time and I’m a full time college student. Her health has been declining over the past few years and is to be expected (just what happens when we get old) but for the most part she is independent. She can take care of her personal needs, her finances (although not very well because she isn’t able to help with financial responsibilities for our household) she drives herself to and from where she has to go (Doctor appts, friends, church ect, and has little to no responsibilities except what she wants to do) Over the past 2-3 years we have had a communication issue ( she insists that she isn’t told the “happenings” of our lives but, she is told what she needs to know.) We also hear the same comments when she doesn’t remember something. “I didn’t know, nobody told me” and if she is question or respond to in any way that goes against her we receive “ I can’t wait til I die, then everyone will be happier” OR “Nobody loves/cares/respects me” OR “Maybe I should just move out then you and your father can have your house back and be happier” OR “I’m so tired of all this ‘fighting’ and if it doesn’t stop I’m leaving” (the ‘fighting’ is actually boundaries set that she can’t cross and family conversations about what is going on with her (IE: if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all, what we can do to make her happier, why she has to be so negative about ... fill in the blank.) About a 2 ago ish it was suggested that she is tested for Dementia (which she took as we said she's crazy) She continues to forget, say rude and hurtful things, have mood swings, act over dramatic if she is asked to do something, and make herself the victim of every situation and ends up using me as her scapegoat. After her last big blow up about how “we gang up on her” it was suggested that she get tested. She again took it as she is crazy (it was explained that the habitual forgetfulness is a concern) I am truly at a lost of what to do. I’m ready for her to die so I can move the heck on with my life. (And don’t care how insensitive that sounds) I have tried everything I can humanly think of to help her Physically, Emotionally, and Mentally. She either refuses my help or says “nobody ever offers to help me” if I don’t. Would also like to add we treat her very well and 99% of the time we don’t say anything to her about her behavior. What are we not seeing or doing. Thank you for all your responses.
Respect.
Respect her enough to charge her rent.
Think about it.
It's a long tough road, I know. I had to place mom in a memory care facility after 5 years in Assisted living....shes 92. Your grandma can have many years of life left, and you and dad need to decide how they will be best lived. And how your resentment can be minimized in the process. There are many ways to be a caregiver, and it's sometimes best to do it from a distance. You can go back to being a granddaughter instead of a full time caregiver. Best of luck
She also needs to be evaluated for dementia, but if she refuses, there's not much you can do. Do either of you have POA for her?
Um, that's two issues blended into one, and it's confusing. There is a big difference between not being able to manage your finances because you are getting muddled, and not being able to contribute because you don't have the money. Both may be true at the same time, of course; but are we discussing signs that your grandmother is developing some kind of dementia, or highlighting a source of possible conflict?
In what way has her health been declining? Your profile doesn't mention anything remarkable.
You say that you and your father tag-team in taking care of her, but from your description it isn't obvious what care she needs. Have you and your father become concerned that she mustn't be left alone at home, and if so why? Since she's driving around and visiting friends and attending appointments independently, it's hard to see why she would need one of you to be there at all times.
I don't mean this to sound dismissive of your important role in her care, but does your father know more about her medical and health issues than you do, perhaps? There is information missing: is it possible it's not being shared with you?
The thing is. You are - ? - in your late teens or early twenties? And a full-time college student - good :) - and presumably making plans to complete your education and then move out and move on. At *that* point, your father and grandmother are going to have to review their plans and decide how to make their lives work; but that's their problem, not yours.
How long has she been living with you? Why did she move in, originally? Was it just you and your father previously, or are there other family members around too?
I wonder if the question should really be: "how not to let your batty old granny drive you nuts while you're studying and trying to have a life"?
There are several issues I'd attend to if she were my little old lady. Hearing, health, cognitive function - sure, mood, and house rules. But this is more for your father to address than for you, I'd have thought. What does he say about them?
The one thing I would suggest is that you not use the word dementia for testing. People of past generations think this means crazy. My mom only accepts that she has memory problems.
I agree with others that this is not your responsibility. Find a way to establish your independence.
The other though to throw out there is sometimes these changes we don't recognize in ourselves but the people who live with us do are very treatable. Maybe she has an infection, maybe she has had some TIA's which would be a warning to attend to before she has a full out stroke. I think a good Primary Care doctor would be suggesting she start bringing one of you with her to appointments, they like having someone who interacts with their aging patients regularly to ask questions of. I'm curious, why did she move in with you and Dad originally?
Now the living together situation. Dad took over the house when his dad had to be put in a nursing home so they didn’t take the home away. We moved in and never left. I joined the service and move away for 5 years, was going through a divorce and was a short term plan. Dad ask if we could put me on the house (Incase he died) then from there it just turn into me having all this financial obligation to the house. (My biggest regret is moving in here.) I know I could ‘leave’ but that would put all this stress on just my father (which isn’t something I could do to him) We honestly do the best we possibly can to make her feel loved, accepted, provided for. She is so stubborn and unwilling to accept the fact the she is getting old but, she has people who love and care for her. We also do our best to remain respectful, calm and open minded to her thoughts and opinions. Sorry, about all the gaps it’s just really hard to explain everything.
It is very difficult to listen to her accusations when you are trying your best to help her. The first thing is to try to not argue with her. It is so hard to not stand up for yourself and to just go along with untruths. "I'm sorry you think that" is a good phrase to use that doesn't really mean you agree. Walk away from her when you feel you can't deal with what she says. Try writing down important information on a dry erase board (say it's for all three of you) so she can't say she wasn't told about household goings on. She wants to be in control of her life and she isn't. Anger is an easier emotion to get to than fear, so she uses anger to cope. Don't use it back. Breathe.
Is anyone looking at this from grandma's point of view?
This is her house. Her son moves in. Then his daughter moves in. I don't, myself, doubt that the son and the OP believe they're being helpful and respectful and tactful, but to grandma all these hints and suggestions must feel a lot like gaslighting. I'm not surprised the woman's getting paranoid. Thinks you're talking about her behind her back - oh, wait, you are! Next she'll be imagining that you want to put her away in a home, or can't wait for her to die. So that you can move the heck on with your life.
Gracex3, I think you should talk to your father about *what* is going on with the finances, the property, and the plans for your grandmother's future care. I can't imagine - in fact I think you say this - that you want to be there much longer. So what *about* the household income, your name on the title, how your grandmother's care is going to continue in future? And what's more, he needs to talk to *her* about it. Not in a "mustn't upset mother" way, but in a dollars and cents way.
You are going to be trapped in the worst possible position, where you have responsibility but no authority, and where the person who does have authority - your father - is sticking his head in the sand and hoping to muddle through by dumping half of the problem on you. And YOU will be made to feel guilty if you leave him to it. Oh, wait (again) - you already do.
You are a full-time student with a service record. When you complete your course, you will be in a great position to move out and get on with your life. That is what you should be planning to do. How your father then handles his mother's care is for him and her to sort out.
As for your concern about her dementia. You have described how angry and defensive she gets when it's suggested; and you've described how you've reassured her that there are new medical advancements - there are? Do tell - but what you haven't done is describe anything that suggests that she has dementia. The conflicts that arise are just as easily explained by the stress of intergenerational living. For example, you say:
"she insists that she isn’t told the “happenings” of our lives but, she is told what she needs to know"
Well, perhaps she disagrees with your view of what she needs to know. Perhaps she likes to be kept more generally informed about what's going on in her house, and the comings and goings of the people who live there. Or perhaps she's losing her marbles, poor old dear.
Don't misunderstand me. I realise you can't describe her medical history if she won't share it with you; and for all I know she may be showing symptoms of dementia every minute of the day. All I'm saying is that you haven't told us anything that makes me think so.
I know that you are going to think I am unkind, harsh and failing to understand how stressful this is. Actually, I do wholly sympathise, but not only with you. The situation is incredibly difficult for all of you - but she's old, and she's got fibromyalgia, and she's not looking forward to a new career and a new home.
Talk to your father. He needs to do better.
It also occurs to me that just as it seems he doesn't like to tell his mother things that might upset her, he might not like to tell you things that you might not like. The conversation you need to have is about practical facts and figures, and not whose fault anything is.
I don’t know how he feels about having his mom move to AL, but in my opinion that is what should happen. It lets her be independent, she can still drive, but doesn’t have to cook or clean. she can be involved in social activities. Also, the ALF will insist that she has a test for her cognitive level before admission. Will she kick and scream about it? Probably as it sounds like nothing makes her happy. It’s not her house anymore if you all hold the mortgage. Where does your dad stand on all this? Is he willing to let things go on as they are? Or has he considered her getting care in AL?
I have a mom as complicated and difficult as this, and my only answer is to get, get, get people in any way I can so she has to at least lean on and put up with other people as well as me. I can’t be the target all the time, it’s toxic.
And after grandma leaves, will you then be responsible for caring for him? You need to get out and get your name off the house. Have dad get a new mortgage or, if he is unwilling, force the sale of it. Then everybody can find a new place to live.
I don't know why your dad took over his parents home - my brother did the same thing and it wasn't good. Those funds weren't available for mom's use when she needed them AND he kicked her out. A $100,000 house just given away. Perhaps your dad moved in and took over grandma's the same way? I don't know.
It's apparent grandma doesn't want y'all there, so you need to move out. Let the chips fall where they may.
Dementia causes agitation and anxiety which causes frustration due to “ losing control” . It gets to a point you have to just do it because they don’t have the basic judgement . If they were independent it’s going to be a war every time. This is where my mother is. She was already a narcissist so now add in the dementia and🙄. Yesterday it was 1/2 an hour of complaining on the way to the dr. I think I’m “a big shot “ so I make medical decisions she wants to make all the while telling the dr she has never fallen ( fell and broke her hip 5 months ago) is 5’7”( was 5’5” her entire adult life 5’4” now ) and she works full time and lives alone with her cat( retired almost 30 yrs ago and lives in an assisted living facility with her cat) . Sometimes you have to just take it with a grain of salt, change the subject and try to see the humorous side of it.
This is off topic but you made me smile ... I’m glad to hear you are “a big shot” since I am a “know it all” and nobody really likes a “ know it all “ according to mom .... one of these days I’m going to ask her if no one likes a know it all then why does she ask me 753 questions hourly ..
This forum is a gift to my sanity and thank you for tonight’s I’m not alone out here moment !!!
I realize this sounds harsh, but I have an very alert 89 year-old mother who gave me a dose of reality by explaining that I needed to let her live until she dies. WOW! LIVE until we die. Isn't that what we all want?
Don't try to argue with her - about testing you have rephrase this as a small regular test so that she can continue to drive [which is on the table now too] as she is 82 .... 'because we want you to continue with your outings'
Look up therapeutic lying on this site as you may need to learn the art - always stay as close to the truth as possible so there is less for you to remember - I did this with my mom ... so if she asked how much money she had I always used an amount that wasn't 'even' like $186,800.00 which sounds more accurate that $185,000.00 because you never know when they will twig onto something
Although mom's doc at the time DID understand and DID agree to write a letter stating what her condition was (needed for becoming rep payee for her pension), the staff never followed through. SIX months of back and forth and never got the letter, despite his promise and having both DPOA and MPOA. Staff was useless (most of the time you could not even get through to a live person on the phone! Most of my communication had to go through her medical portal.)
If possible, ask doc if dad and you can have a chat with doc, without grandma being there, to discuss your concerns. Try to focus on dementia related symptoms you observe (attitude changes, forgetfulness, etc.) Compare that to how she was prior to this. If not, not a big deal really, because there really isn't anything docs can do - however it would be nice to have the diagnosis, in the event it is ever needed (for placement and/or any meds that can "help" with her moods/attitude.) It would be nice to have your suspicions confirmed, but researching/learning about dementia can provide a lot more help to you than getting a DX from a doc.
Avoid the dementia word and just agree or take "blame" for anything she says that isn't really true (not being told, etc.) You cannot argue with dementia. You can't fix dementia. You can't reason with dementia. You just have to go along with her perception of reality. Oh, we forgot to tell you and then tell her again as if it is the first time, even if it happens multiple days in a row (or multiple times a day - yes, it gets tedious, but it is easier to repeat something than it is to try to explain or tell her SHE has the issue!) Learn to "bite your tongue" (again, it is hard, but necessary) when she berates you or dad - walk away, go out, remove yourself from the situation.
You should really be focusing on your studies. Do you have to be there all the time? If she is self-caring, can you study/do homework in your room with door closed or perhaps at school or library, away from her? She really is dad's responsibility. She still seems somewhat "independent", so it is safe to leave her at home alone (or allow driving?) If so, having your own time/space away from her will help YOU. Try not to spend a lot of time with her, so she isn't frustrating you. Along with not arguing or trying to reason with her, find subtle ways to change the subject/refocus her on something else, hopefully something that she does still enjoy.
If she sees you both discussing something, include her but change the subject to something she might relate to. It would be better not to be seen "discussing" things in secret, so keep those discussions for times when she isn't around and then keep conversations benign and loud enough so she knows what you are talking about (not her!)
After Grandpa sadly died, ?just over 15 years ago, Dad with then very young OP moved in so that the house did not have to be sold (presumably Grandma was not left with sufficient income to keep up payments, maintenance and expenses).
OP has since pursued a five-year service career, and is now engaged in a full-time college course.
Just clarifying that bit.
It's very, very hard but reply to her comments quietly and calmly. The 'nobody loves me' thing can be responded to with 'of course we do - do you love us?' Even if she says no, keep your cool and give her 'Well, that makes me sad'. An inappropriate comment about someone can be handled with 'it makes me sad when you talk mean about someone'. -- But listen carefully to things that you and your dad say. Do either of you talk about others in front of her?
It takes a little while to break a cycle of being mad (at whatever) and talking mean. You may never fix it 100%, but maybe you can mellow it out a little.
Anyway ... I had a similar living situation when I was young. Started working, then (with much trepidation) I moved out. Whenever I went back to visit, I'd tell the whole family how great it was to have my own small place.
My grandmother and my uncle (who was clearly on the spectrum but undiagnosed), started getting restless themselves. Eventually - with my mother's gentle encouragement - both of *them* moved out, separately. My mother and 2 younger sisters then - finally - had the house to themselves.
Can't brag, though. Frankly, I did not even know I was planting seeds, until they sprouted!
I use them all the time for myself but never thought of this for my Mum! Dad calls her condition a 'stroke brain injury' with some 'OCD' tendancies. She wants 100 things, all done right now. And will point and repeat the request until Dad gives in. Manners - going, ability to plan - going, abstract thinking - gone.
A visual list would be so much better - thanks so much for the idea.
A suggestion was made that you and your father get face to face support... either one on one or in a group for caregivers.
This process of living with your grandmother, who certainly seems to be challenging, whether a result of cognitive changes, or just her prickly personality, is one that demands guidance and support so that you can set boundaries that are for everyone's benefit...
No, grandma probably wont' like them and will give you a hard time, but she's doing that anyway, so at least now it can be for a reason that ultimately will be for the greater good.
I agree that attending some of her medical appointments with her (you or your father) would be beneficial as you'll hear information straight from the dr. and not from your grandmother's interpretation or memory.
Validating your grandmother's concerns and feelings may feel frustrating when she doesn't receive your messages with compassion, but sometimes that's all you can do... Validate how very frustrating and upsetting her life feels right now, that aging is challenging and that you understand her anger and frustration...
We all want to feel heard and validated, especially when life happens and we have zero control over the changes that occur... all the things that get taken from us... (our good health, our physical abilities, our memory, our reflexes, our independence, etc. )
You and your father are doing a great job holding everything together, and you all need support to manage this process whether your grandmother continues to live at home, moves to AL, lives a long time with her current abilities or deteriorates... Please reach out for support... Other family members, friends, community resources, Aging life care specialists (formerly Geriatric Care managers), Senior Centers which may offer both programs and professional counseling services, Therapists who specialize in working with caregivers, Local YMCA's, Jewish Family Services (they are non sectarian, and serve all)
I hope this gives you a place to start...
Take care of yourself... and I hope your father takes care of himself... and we breathe...
You are in a difficult situation because she doesn't understand your generation and it's socially acceptable behavior anymore then you understand why she seems so ungrateful when you and dad are doing everything you think you should. I think that you have received some really good advice about calendars that have a schedule of activities so she can see what you guys are up to.
You will never have privacy living with family, I don't know anyone that has been on their own and moved in with family that doesn't feel like they have no privacy, it is what it is. When you live with other human beings there are certain things that you just don't have, no running around in your birthday suit, no drinking right out of the OJ container, having to account for your whereabouts. You will have to come to terms with that or move out.
I read where your dad kinda set you up by putting your name on the house and now you are financially obligated. Only if you want to be.
So I can see why you are frustrated, but I can't understand saying you can't wait for her to die so you can get on with your life. You can get on with your life now, pack up, sign a quick claim deed getting your name off the house and get on with living your life. Stop wishing death on your grandma, stop making excuses about not leaving your dad and go live. You are young and have lots of choices, your grandmother doesn't.
You obviously have some serious anger issues that need to be addressed and being subjected to someone that pushes your buttons everyday is not healthy for you, not to mention that you have a death wish towards an old woman that has mental decline and probably can't help herself.
If you are going to stay in the same house, you and your dad need to get educated on how to deal with someone that has dementia. Because everything you are doing is exactly what you don't do with someone that has a broken brain, she can't help it, you can.
You got short tempered and defensive when countrymouse stuck up for grandma, you yelled that you moved into your dad's house, well it has been your grandma's HOME for longer than it has been your dads house, she has rights because she had equity in it with her husband, so please try to see how hard this is for everyone and realize that your family has short fuses, it's what it is, not right or wrong. You knew that saying that you couldn't wait for her death would cause upset, so don't get defensive when people call you on it, it is reprehensible after all.
So OP & Dad moved into G'ma's house to care for her (love/obligation/expectation).
Dad meant well but goes to work, so moves bulk of 'care' onto OP (student hours/home more?)
OP meant well. Help Dad & help G'ma. But maybe caregiving is more than she can/want to do? Role has MISSION CREEP. Taken for granted? Expectations she can/will do it all?
G'ma considers herself independant: causing resentment of help/? denial she needs help/lack of insight into aging -? possible dementia.
Questions: if OP lived elsewhere, how much caregiving would she want to do? One day a week? A few afternoons? How does that compare to current expectations? What if she moved out? Is G'ma competend to choose how to get more care when she needs it? Consider AL? Hire aides? If not competent, what are Dad's longer terms plans for G'ma?
Time for a good sit down honest chat with Dad about the whole situation. Not just 'keeping G'ma happy'. Whether it's dementia or not, her needs will increase & her needs cannot be met by one G'daughter without the sacrifice of her studies, future plans & income.