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you are right Carol. Every case is different. My Mother, through her lifetime has been the family example of giving to others, sharing anything, helping, counceling, she was the church secratary, and a devoted one at that. Today, it is as if she took a vacation on the planet pluto, and came back as the wicked with of the north, and her mission is to break me. To every other human being on this planet, she "still" is darling, considerate, soft, and caring and loving. I dont get it, EXCEPT, she was always kind of rough with me, and even the last 4 yrs, she has gotten worse, and I was blaming it on her diabetes fluctuation. I am her only child, and there is somthing in her, that always resented me,,,, (maybe cause she had to drag me around all her life and it tied her down), I dont know,,,,, but she certainly doesnt behave, according to my performance in caregiving. She still continues to act as though I am the enemy, and she hates me. On a good day, she will be nice, until I have to cross her. (time for meds, etc) I have to allow what is best for her, she doesnt know. But it sickens my heart to be in the next room, and overhear her saying on her cell to my sons, and grandsons,,,, "I have to get out of here", "I wish I was with you",,,, or "I love you sweetheart". I feel anger inside, and wonder, maybe I am the one that just landed from Pluto.
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no my mother does the same thing only she isn't on the phone she is talking to herself and if I ask her what she said she says I haven't said anythiing whats the matter with you you think I'm nuts talking to myself? hey I talk to myself, I answer myself to because I like my answers. The care givers are the closest in proximity and I think they take their frustrations and anger out on us we are looking at it from Our point of view they are looking at it from their point of view. Which has always been more important to them but no matter how much independance they had and mine didn't have much I guess it is hard to swallow that they can no longer do what they want although mine does absolutely nothing. I am thinking of jacking her rent up if she expects me to come home from a full days work and do her dishes clean up after her etc. I thought perhaps we could become some sort of friend boy was I wrong. She's at the point where she can't live by herself but is perfectly capable of doing some small things and heaven knows I haven't asked her for much in my lifetime but for petes sake you live there well she lives in her room and uses the bathroom and kitchen. thats about it no socialization whatsoever. I am so sick of it I don't even plan family things anymore and if I don't get my butt in gear and clean house I will be turned in for filth.
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Why dont you find a nice home for her, and get your life back? You arent happy, like me,,,, why are we laying down our lives for ungreatful parents? If I keep on like this, my life is going to end pre-maturely, while Mom lived on to 85, and killed me at 62. For what? A mean, nasty, scratching, insulting, ungreatful, parent that doesnt like us anyway? I have to come out of my guilt,,,, and realize, just because I am not going to lay down my life,,,, for her,,, I am still a good daughter. I loved and adored her enough for 10 kids, but she is hurting me now, to the point where I have no hope for me anymore, they will bury me first, not her. I am on a mission, I am going to get help. So far as pay, she gives all her money away, and none for me. I should begin paying my self. I get paid from my ex, and all the other disabled people I took care of,,,, so why not her? She has it,,,, and I should earn something, while going through this caregiving quest for her. My food bills are higher, my utilities are skyrocketing for her, my time isnt paid for, enough of that. Thats the first change, I'm not doing it for free like a stupid martyr anymore. I feel badly for you, I know what a bind you are in, so am I. You can rent your room out to someone else, that will be greatful for a place to stay, and maybe even help you, and be pleasant to come home to. Why dont you try that? Are you dependant on her income? If not,,,, call around, and move her on her way,,,, and grab your life back, while you can. JoAnne
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These are not mean, vindictive women, but caring, compassinate, giving and loving daughters, who have been deeply hurt. Any judgment on the part of outsiders is shameful. Everyone should be supporting the Caregiver in these situations, and not treating the abusive as if they're the victims here! But the world and the law see things differently, it seems, and calls elders protective. Who protects the Caregiver? Unreasonable demands and impossible expectations put daughters (sometimes sons) in predicaments that no sane person should have to endure. This is almost criminal, but not unusual. For these women, I completely understand, and sympathize. God bless you for all you do, and I pray he give you the grace to endure, in spite of your struggles and difficulties. In these, you're not alone.
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i can not believe of you all pepople attackin suzuki what she s tryin to say . i drop out of school when i was 15 !!! the law did not step in ! and i was too mature at 15 !!! and dont tell me that at 15 we re not mature enuff , cuz u be suprise how many 15 yrs old is alot mature than thier own parents are ! raisin thier siblings and all .
you need cool off girl ! i have been upset since yesterday cuz of lovingdaughter made a commets about dementia and now u and others ard barkin and growling at suzki . shame on you guys !!! she came on here lookin for some good advise and all she got was a slap across the face !
now i dont think i even want to come back on this site , you know it all so whatever !!
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There are many alternatives to taking care of your parents. a couple of which is an assisted living facility or having a caregiver tend to them. However these services tend to be a little pricey if you don't have insurance. I saw a heartwarming article about children and grandchildren tending to their elder from a post in the NYE.
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you will all be happy to know I just asked to have my subscription removed. Good luck to you all
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yeah... you were right.....
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thats too bad, I'll miss you. everything is over now, why go?
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Hi folks,
There was a group decision made to halt this discussion, and remove posts, as things were getting out of hand. Caregiving is an emotional topic and people sometimes forget that they can’t experience another's situation first hand. No one has all the answers.

When this happens, there has to be a time out.

This site is set up to support caregivers and not to judge their decisions. Sharing your own stories is a wonderful way to do that. Respectfully offering advice is great. But please, no insults and no judging. Share your experience and your strength. Show respect for different views.

You are all good people who have made decisions based on your circumstances. Please, let’s cool off and help each other along with love.
Carol
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I can so totally relate to this. My mom came to live with us about a year and a half ago and it is the exact opposite of what I expected. She was always very active, social and involved, but it all changed when she got to my house. Now all she does is sit around in front of the t.v., get in my way and make excuses why she doesn't want to go anywhere. I want out but she is not physically or mentally impaired, so a nursing home would be totally inappropriate for her. I am an only child, so it's all on me but she is driving me and my husband out of our minds and has totally taken over our home. Don't know what to do or say any more and I am now suffering migraines because of it.
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Ya, I have the same thing going on..... but my Mom, is impaired. She has neuropathy, and macular, and now with dementia/alz. I cant to out and leave her alone,,,, I'm afraid she'd burn the place down, or fall, or something irratic. Sometimes, I can get out if my ex is not cycling in his bi-polar. Then he is willing to let me go, and be out for a couple of hours, for Christmas. I have enquired with my local ALZ chapter to see what they offer. I do have a young woman that is willing to sit with Mom, occasionally, if I can afford the babysitting fee. So, perhaps, I can go out more than 2 or 3 times a year, before I go crazy. And yes, Mom controlls alot here, close the blinds at 4pm, before dark, cover our coffee with a plastic lid, so bugs dont fly in it,,,,, grinds her teeth, follows my ex all over, puts dishes in the wrong place, (I can handle that), but I cant handle, opening my cupboard, to a used depends. So, I know what you are saying.... it is a difficult situation. Do you have a reliable sitter or friend from church or someone that can help you with house work, and let you and hubby go out alone once in a while?
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Rosanadannafan, sounds like your mother might be suffering from depression. The major change in her life could have affected her more than expected. Would she be open to talking to her doc about it? also, would she be a candidate for assisted living? You said she is not impaired........she might actually like it if she tried it.
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I don't understand why a parent would WANT to live with one of their children. Most parents don't want to be a burden to their kids I thought. I know I sure wouldn't want to live with my son, as much as I love him. Can't you just tell the parent that you value your relationship too much to live together? That you will help them find the perfect place where they are around people their own age, and have the ability to be alone if they want? And it doesn't have to be a nursing home. What about adult foster care or assisted living? I would think they would rather stay independent as long as possible, rather being taken care of like an infant. (I'm talking about the parent that still has their faculties, and their health is fairly good.)
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That sounds reasonable, naheaton. Not everyone can afford adult foster care or AL. Sometimes the solution isn't an easy one. Many discussing this are caring for those who can't reason or make important decisions. What senior/elder wants to be at the mercy of another? Sad.
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I have not written in a while. My mother,too, had moved into our home 3 states away with my husband and me in 2007. After about 16 months of "hell" for all of us, we decided to move her back into her own home. She was 83 at the time with early dementia but physically able to care for herself. after the move here, she lost all sense of purpose. She would not help do anything around the house-although she was plenty capable. she just sat in one spot all day and waited on us to wait on her. When we moved her back to SC in June, (she was 85 )we took her first to an assisted living facility but she would have no part of it. So we hired a p/t caregiver to help with chores and errands. My nephew lives close by so he would check on her 2 or 3 times a week. In Oct. she fell again and this time the dr. told her she needed care 24/7. Boy, was I dreading having this conversation about moving into assisted living again but the cost of at home care was unbelievable. Luckily, she was financially able to take care of herself (at least for several years). I had been ready for a nervous breakdown when she left our home so I knew that this was no longer an option. Surprisingly, when we met with her, she was receptive to the move to assisted living. She was back in her home town and knew alot of the people that were already there. We immediately moved her and now 2 months later she is very happy. Her very first boyfriend 70 years ago is at this home and they have formed a new friendship. Both of them are cute as can be.
I guess I just wanted to share my story and let some of you know that there are other options out there. I encourage everyone to "be still" and find what is the right thing to do in your heart. I know for myself, in the beginning, I did what I thought was expected of me. My heart and soul showed me different. Not all of us are capable of being the primary caregivers for our parents but that does not make us any less of a person. and it does not mean that we love them any less either.
My mother was just as unhappy in the house with us as we were with her here. But as an older person, they sometimes cannot make the decisions that they need to make. they look to us to make the right choices for them. I know that alot of people in this situation does not have the luxury of choices that money can provide. but there are government agencies and other sources that can be helpful. Be proactive and educate yourself as much as possible. And step outside of the box if you have to to get some relief. Last but not least, do not feel guilty for your feelings. That was the one thing that was killing me... I could not shake the guilt of things not being "right". but I know now in my heart that I am doing what is best for my mother as well as my family. Hang in there and I hope that everyone has a "peaceful" Christmas.
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Heavyload:

After calmly explaining to her that you've done the best you could but the living arrangement isn't working out, give her 6 months' notice. Lay it out for her in plain English, making sure housing options and financial assistance are covered. Six months should be more than enough time for her to mull over any separation issues she might have and get used to the idea of moving out. I'm sure she'll modify her behavior for the better because her behind is on the chopping block, but stay firm. The moment you let up she'll realize you're not serious about putting her out and go back to her usual self. Do you know why parents push our buttons? ... Because they installed them! Good luck.
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I don't want my mother to live her anymore either, but it feels too late... Either way, I have so much guilt, I can hardly live with myself... Her hateful words have almost destroyed me.
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Dear J...2326, Stick and stones do break bones, and words do really hurt. But, encouragement counters that. Sounds like there's a lot going on here with you and your mom. But nothing is irreversable. Sounds like you need help. So glad you're writing here. Hope it helps you by venting, and hope you find the courage to not only address this problem, but the strength to withstand and make necessary changes. I won't presume too much right now, by giving advice, as I don't know all the particulars. Hard to advise someone without knowing the full story. (Not that you must supply it.) However, perhaps we can help dispel some of the guilt, and help you past hateful words. For myself, "been there; done that." Lots of hateful words and actions by my mom. It's a journey, and a walk of faith. Perhaps there's a viable option of workable solution. Just want to make sure you're OK, and have some space to think. While your emotions may be raw, some perspective may help you with them. Know you're not alone, and that someone is praying for you. Does your mom have some type of dementia, etc.?
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josefchuk, I'm curious about one thing.... why do you feel guilt? I don't know why your mother is saying such hurtful things. Sometimes its because of aging and the mind shrinks, sometimes it is our mother's choice to be hateful (and there's nothing you can do about that).

But if you have provided to the max, then you have nothing to be sorry for. Sometimes it really does help to have intervention and third parties assisting.

I know that when I stayed with my father (he has dementia/Alzheimers), if I even questioned him, he felt I was being insubordinate and would get raged with anger. My dad in 35 years NEVER raised his voice, so I knew it was the disease. But now that my father is in assisted living, the staff can distract him, and ask him to do things and he feels he's helping. Where if it had been be, his chivalrous behavior would be angered.

You have to learn limits. Some people are gifted to do this. God bless everyone's choice in how to care for their loved ones.

But by all means, examine what you feel guilty for and do you really need to feed that guilt? Guilt can only be accepted if received by you. Its your choice in what to feel.

Don't give up!
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To 2326:
As much as I love my folks, and they don't have any mental issues, I sure wouldn't want them living with me, and visa versa. So saying you don't want your hateful mother living with you, isn't unnatural or anything to feel guilty about I would think. Sometimes guilt is self-induced. Give yourself a break.
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Yikes... (just got booted out of the system after typing in a ton of stuff)...
Shortenend version...
Thank you all for your support which really helped my yesterday.
Went to the library to get a timely interloan library book...
I want to share it with you so it may help you (and 2 others):
Respecting Your Limits When Caring for Aging Parents by Vivian E. Greenberg
When you and Your Mother Can't be Friends by Victoria Secunda
and
Coping with Your Difficult Older Parent by Grace Lebow & Barbara Kane
God Bless you all ...
and, I plan to stay in touch with you.
Love... aka
Lynn "A"
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Guilt never leads to the resolution of issues. Hurtful comments often are a part of dementia. They may be an attempt to manipulate, they may be issued because the elder parent doesn't know what else to do or say to make things go their way. Their way may or may not be what is best for their well-being. Do what you know in your heart is the right thing for your to do. If you don't, you won't be right with yourself (that doesn't mean mom needs to live with you). Just be right with yourself and if you are unable to provide for mom's safety, work with local agencies to get some help. You don't have to do this alone.
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Here's what terrifies me about all this: My grandmother moved in with us when I was 17 and she was a nightmare for a myriad of reasons I won't even get into here. My mother was her only child so she felt obligated to take her in. Now it's 30 years later and here is my mother living with me. I am an only child and I felt obligated to take my mother in. She's not 1/10th as bad as my grandmother was, but she still drives me nuts. My daughter is likewise an only child - and now I'm terrified that I will be someday the "crazy mother/grandmother" that she feels obligated to take in and who drives her crazy. I'd rather take a handful of Ambien and be done with it before that happens.
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Get long term care insurance and take care of your future if you are worried. I am sure that you have learned from the past and will mindful of the future! Our daughter is an only( we call it Limited Edition) as well. I have assured her that we will not be her burden or responsibility. I will never do to her what my mom did to us.
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I've already told my daughter-in-law that she can just put the pillow over my face if I get like that. I DID tell her to WAIT till I was REALLY bad though. On second thought.... :)
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I too told my sonz that they are not obligated to take care of me. Put me in a home, but if I'm on life support or anything like that, don't prolong my sorry life, cancel it. I'm really OK with it cause I don't wanna end up like my mom or anyone else in that condition.
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I know just how you feel ihave had dad with me for 5 years now,before that i looked after both parents in their home.This must be universal, i'm British and found you all by chance thank God. Had to seek help with his doctor and social services, don't think I can carry on doing this any more. Dad can do things for himself but has started to shun med help. He also touches me inappropriately even when i am driving.Social services coming to see me soon, nice man on phone, please let him be able to help.Trouble is were does this guilt come from.
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Dear tinapick,

I'm so glad you found us. Welcome! I hope this is a place where you feel safe. You fit right in! So, thanks for sharing your thoughts with us today.

Hmmmmm. Guilt. You'll probably read about it here often. I think the better terminology may be, "false guilt." If he is touching you inappropriately, then I certainly wouldn't be driving him! Is this something new, and why not think about stopping him... When we are victimized, it produces a strange mixture of emotional confusion and challenges.

What you are experiencing is a natural reaction to your situation. I suggest you explore wise counsel, and some distance from this awful sin! Develop a new set of boundaries, and stop letting your dad violate them. I'll be praying for you, asking God to help you with them. You already know in your heart that the problem lies with him, so trust your God-given instincts, and get help for dealing with them. Bless you.

Please keep posting, so we know how things are going with you. I'm so glad you found this site. I pray it helps you move past the place where you are, and find the strength to confront this problem, and find safety from him!
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I know one thing, you sure shouldn't feel guilty for NOT wanting your mom to live with you so if you are, don't. I say you have every right to feel that way. Ofcourse getting her out is the question here.......hmmmmmmm how bout opening the door and saying BYE, not really but how about asking her about living on her own. How do you think she would handle that? Atleast that could be a lead into explaining why it would be better if she lived alone.
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