My mum is 87, and she has also got noticeably more anxious lately. She panics about the slightest thing and definitely seems to be getting a bit more confused. She can get very tearful at times, and will build things up to be a big problem when they needn’t be. It’s hard to see the changes in an elderly parent, especially when they’ve always been so strong and independent.
My mum lives with us in an adjoining annexe, so I am always around for her, but it’s tough at times. I find myself getting frustrated when she gets herself in a state over an easily solved problem. Then I feel guilty about feeling that way.
Just now she was in floods of tears because she had a doctors appointment booked for tomorrow and I can’t take her. I told her when she booked the appointment that I couldn’t take her, and suggested she change it for a time that I could do.
She didn’t change it and said she’d contact dial-a-ride. She’s not been able to get hold of them, so was sobbing and asking if she could ask my son to take her. I said I didn’t know if he was available, and that she would really struggle anyway to get in and out of his small car. She hadn’t phoned the doctor to change the appointment as she didn’t want to mess them around.
I phoned and changed appointment for her with no problems.
The doctor gave her some medication last week (water tablets) but she’s not taken it yet as she wants to speak to him about another issue first. This is quite common- she will get prescribed something, but then reads the possible side effects and won’t take it.
Not sure what my point is with this post! I guess I just needed to ‘talk’ to someone who understands how hard it can be.
Thanks for listening!