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Elderly parents

Mum refusing carers...

12 replies

MacarenaMacarena · 14/01/2023 21:11

My sister has been struggling with caring for our terminally ill, mostly bed-bound, mostly incontinent mum. She is not quite in a state to go to the hospice yet, but has recently been allowed morning and evening carers. This would be a tremendous help to my sister who has been caring for her for months. But mum is refusing them... She is frequently confused, frequently asleep... She has always been very selfish and manipulative (financial support demanded from my sister and massive emotional support, both over decades, really taking its toll on my sister)
Now she tells the carers to go away, she doesn't want them, she's fine as she is...
How has anyone else managed a situation like this?
So as not to drip feed, mum has moved in with sister, I live 200 miles away but had mum for 3 months recently plus several week-long support visits to help. This is destroying my sister and me. Mum has always been difficult, but now her awful sense of entitlement and constant nastiness is even more upsetting. I get that illness causes loss of control and anyone would resent that, but she seems to resent us and the other people trying to help her and us.

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MacarenaMacarena · 14/01/2023 21:42

And it's not that she's not aware of the impact her demands have... I say "sister has a job, it'll help her if the carers share the morning and evening" she'll say sister's job is flexible and she can fit everything in... I'll say "carers helping out will give sister a chance to catch up with her children" she'll say the children are in their twenties and shouldn't need support...

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stayathomegardener · 14/01/2023 22:06

It's very hard. I've been there this last year and my health has really suffered.

Can you both present a united front and insist on outside care coming in if she is to remain at home.

Hats off to your sister and its great she at least has your support and acknowledgment.

MacarenaMacarena · 14/01/2023 23:02

Thank you Stayathomegardener - sorry you've had the same challenges - it's just so hard to negotiate with someone who is losing capacity, especially if they have a naturally suspicious, demanding and aggressive character... We'll get there somehow! Probably caving in when she commands...
I hope your health recovers and you get back out into your garden xx

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lifeinthehills · 14/01/2023 23:13

How often did our parents tell us 'too bad, that's how it has to be' when we were children growing up? No matter how much we didn't like it, even with good cause? As harsh as it may sound, I think I'd be doing the same. "Sorry Mum, but the carers are needed so I can go to work. If you want to stay in my home they have to be allowed."

MacarenaMacarena · 14/01/2023 23:23

Thank you Lifeinthehills - you make a very good point! She would not enjoy the alternative for sure.

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Borisisafecklesstoad · 14/01/2023 23:52

So sorry you are going through this, ive been in a similar situation and i really feel for you. I would only say that you both have to be firm and say they have to come in. Its about both yours and your mums dignity. I really do wish you luck

MacarenaMacarena · 15/01/2023 22:43

Thank you Borisisafecklesstoad xx
Also agree about Boris xx

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Greenfairydust · 15/01/2023 23:06

If your parent has always been a manipulative and difficult person and you and your sister are struggling to cope I would suggest it is time for your mother to go into a care home.

Your sister should be realistic and make it clear to social services that she can no longer look after your mother.

Toxic parents are very good at manipulating their offsprings and guilt-tripping them into doing their bidding.

You and your sister should not be destroying your life for the sake of your mother.

Take a step back and let her be cared for in a home so you can both have your life back.

MacarenaMacarena · 16/01/2023 11:07

Thank you Greenfairydust, there are times when this does seem a very tempting option.

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Ladybug14 · 16/01/2023 11:35

What about respite care for a month? You might find that she's amenable to carers twice a day after that month

MacarenaMacarena · 16/01/2023 11:57

Ladybug14 - good idea - we'll need some respite care arranged at some point.

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Ladybug14 · 16/01/2023 12:00

Exactly. Best to find somewhere you like now Flowers

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