Elder-caregivers
Related: About this forumMy mom said the worst thing she's ever said to me.
I moved in to take care of her 7 years ago, but the last three have been the hardest. I had to give up my work, which was more than work to me, to be available for her 24/7.
Anyway, she was angry about me expressing that I was beyond burnt out and unhappy, so she said, Maybe I just should have aborted you!.
I dont know if I can continue to do this if its going to entail being on the receiving end of verbal abuse like that.

Response to LudwigPastorius (Original post)
Sector 001 This message was self-deleted by its author.
NoRethugFriends
(3,237 posts)And irrelevant
SheltieLover
(65,626 posts)It's up to you whether you can just shake it off. Maybe talk to her about how hurtful that was?
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)Shes got a doctor appointment in a couple of weeks. Ill ask him.
SheltieLover
(65,626 posts)
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)
SheltieLover
(65,626 posts)
WheelWalker
(9,318 posts)I did what you are doing for the same length of time. I know exactly what you're experiencing. Laughing off the abuse was helpful in my instance. Reply, "Well you didn't. So here we are. Now let's cowboy up and bring this herd to market."
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)MotownPgh
(434 posts)Won't say it doesn't hurt sometimes, but I just leave the room for a few and dad gets the message. I think everyone becomes more self centered as they age.
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)It just seemed pointless.
NoRethugFriends
(3,237 posts)If she doesn't, she's on her own to find help.
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)Trueblue Texan
(3,246 posts)LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)I tried to not let it get to me.
XanaDUer2
(15,711 posts)What a hurtful thing to hear.
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)applegrove
(125,329 posts)Some of my family were on such meds for the last years of their lives. My grandmother, who had worked so hard until she was 80, was on them in her last few years. She died at 103 and the calming meds she was on made her much easier to take care of. She was blind and deaf and had all her other faculties so for someone whose life had been so vital it was torture for her and she lashed out in frustration. So sorry for you.
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)would take any antidepressant.
She used to be an RN, so she knows better than her doctors what she needs. Its like pulling teeth just to get her to take the blood pressure, gout, and other meds she is on now.
applegrove
(125,329 posts)Clouds Passing
(4,222 posts)
I had a mother like that.
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)It helps to know that Im not alone.
Clouds Passing
(4,222 posts)You did not deserve that
Fresh_Start
(11,353 posts)Of her anger and mental deterioration. Moms always know how to hurt their children but when they are in their right mind they don't do it.
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)Laurelin
(715 posts)It was an awful thing to say. Sometimes old people just...I don't know, completely lose it. Even if they don't have dementia, there are things that happen when their bodies aren't working right, TIAs, crazy blood sugar drops, just.... issues. Obviously I'm not a medical person but I've had to deal with a number of older people and sometimes they just say crazy things one minute and seem fine the next. If you can, try to remember that it's not about you and it's not your fault, and then try to forget it.
Take care of yourself.
LudwigPastorius
(12,016 posts)
1monster
(11,030 posts)I mean if she finds you so objectional.
But even the good ones are god awful. If there was one silver lining about my husband dying so unexpectedly, it was that I would not have to put him in a nursing home when his condition inevitably got to the point that it was necessary.
I understand about the burnout. Call your local council on aging and see if they have a respite service or a day care so you can have a (regular) day for yourself go recharge, reconnect with friends, and enjoy whatever brings you wholeness.
Your good mental health and well being are important. (Plus, it may even have the side benefit of making her appreciate you, even if just a little bit. She might even enjoy being around different people.
Mike Nelson
(10,526 posts)... a friend of mine works in caregiving and hospice. This is common. She hurt you. She hurts. It hurts to get old and need help. Family hurts the worst - they know where to hit.
Hope22
(3,791 posts)You need time to refuel and recover. I hope you have someone who can orchestrate that for you. That burn out feeling is real and strikes deep. My sister used to say awful things to me and when I was rested they didnt bother me half as much as when I was exhausted. The worst time was in the winter and it turned out my vitamin D was lower than low. Be easy with yourself and take care. Love and hugs to you!💗💗💐
1WorldHope
(1,108 posts)My step mother hated me her whole life until my dad died. Then she made me a saint and her actual real daughter, who was doing all the work, a piece of crap.
If she won't take any anti depressants, you could give her a little gummy and then tell her happy Valentine's Day. Just kidding, kind of. Hang in there and ask her if she is ready for a care facility since she has such a problem with you.