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Carers

Caring for elderly relatives? Supercarers can help

Am I being taken advantage of as a carer?

10 replies

olderanwiser · 19/03/2025 15:33

This is really sensitive but would appreciate some advice. Please don't judge me, just want some advice please, particularly if theres anyone who has been in my position. Thank you :)
Im a carer for my mum. She has copd and continues to smoke. She has had hospital admissions this year, one was because her sodium levels were low and recently, had a fall in the kitchen. She came home last friday from hospital after her fall, the hospital were kind enough to give her a walker, which she uses sometimes, but has also been able to get to the toilet or walk into the kitchen unaided. Past couple of days she has been saying that shes in more pain so i suggested we call the doctor to see if she could take something different to her co-drydamol. She said no. Im not sure when she is putting on being needed to be waited upon and when shes not ok to be honest. I have heard her get up downstairs to go to the door to get her takeaway delivery in record time (she thought i was having a nap upstairs). Shes in bed for approximately 16 hours each day. Mostly due to her returning home and continuing to smoke, so she lacks energy.I have also heard her walk into the kitchen to make herself a sandwich. She is my mum and i care about her but I do think shes taking advantage. I stopped rolling her cigarettes a long time ago because i dont like the taste of it and shes not bedridden, shes capable of doing that so put a stop to it. She seems to be selctive as to when she can and cant do things. If I call her out on things she'll make me feel bad for mentioning it. When she does get ill, she won't tell me shes run out of her trimbo inhaler but thinks paramedics are her speed dial and then i find out while theyre there as she'll say yeah, i think im ill because my inhalers have run out. I try motivating her to get up and about more and shes selective about when she can or cant. I know this makes me sound like a horrible person and im not. She knows I cared for my nan when she got ill from copd and how much i did for her and wants the same, except my mum is nowhere near being bedridden yet. Is there such a thing as patient syndrome? When she's in hospital she does nothing but moan about the food, noise and doesnt like waiting for nurses, doctors etc.
Sorry for long one. x

OP posts:
madaffodil · 19/03/2025 15:37

Do you live in the same house together?

NewsOverloading · 19/03/2025 15:38

Sounds like she is taking advantage of you, also if she has copd she absolutely should not be smoking still. Maybe you need to get your life back and let her get on with hers and her choices. That doesn't make you a bad person at all.

madaffodil · 19/03/2025 15:54

Nobody is obliged to care for an adult relative if they don't want to. It would be more difficult to say no if you live with the person, much easier to put your foot down if you have your own home.

And yes, she is taking advantage of you.

Cornishclio · 19/03/2025 16:04

If you don’t live together I would not carry on being her carer. Do you work or have a family? Smoking while she has COPD is irresponsible when our health system is crumbling. If she can order and get herself to the door to collect takeaways it sounds like she just wants you at her beck and call. Leave her to it and set boundaries as to how much you will help her.

LavenderFields7 · 19/03/2025 16:14

Oh wow. For a start she is still smoking?! I would put a stop to that, offer no help until she tries to help herself. Sounds like she’s taking the piss to be honest. Leave her to it.

olderanwiser · 20/03/2025 08:31

madaffodil · 19/03/2025 15:37

Do you live in the same house together?

yes, I live in the same house with her and unfortunately, Im unable to move out at the moment

OP posts:
Floppyelf · 20/03/2025 08:37

olderanwiser · 20/03/2025 08:31

yes, I live in the same house with her and unfortunately, Im unable to move out at the moment

Do you part own the house by any chance? I would not be doing what you’re doing if there’s no hope of you even being housed after she kicks the bucket. I have no sympathy for your mum. She’s a complete user. Get her to atleast transfer some of the house to you now and say that it will
help her to be looked after by you. Otherwise she might be put into a home. Have u not got other siblings who can help?

DenholmElliot11 · 20/03/2025 08:37

Yes she's milking it a bit isn't she

Just keep saying you've got to do as much as you can for yourself mum it's part of your recovery.

If she's moaning, tell her to stop! Make sure she says please and thank you.

Floppyelf · 20/03/2025 08:41

There are so many people like you @olderanwiser that have been completely taken advantage by family and left with no pension. No roof over their heads. No security only to be left on the streets. You need to get a job. An income. And get yourself on some sort of property ladder. Trust me in my work. I’ve seen it. Your world has been purposefully kept small by those you trusted.

RainingAgain3 · 31/03/2025 22:57

Floppyelf · 20/03/2025 08:41

There are so many people like you @olderanwiser that have been completely taken advantage by family and left with no pension. No roof over their heads. No security only to be left on the streets. You need to get a job. An income. And get yourself on some sort of property ladder. Trust me in my work. I’ve seen it. Your world has been purposefully kept small by those you trusted.

So true unfortunately. I'm one. And still trying to escape after wasting decades of my life. Feeling resentful that the people who are meant to love me and want the best for me, actually don't give a toss. I'm just there, to make sure the person I look after is ok. As long as they're OK, that's all that matters

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