We have been taking care of my dad since July. My mom has put him in a room that was once a garage. There are no bathroom facilities. We have to carry his pot thru the kitchen where there is cooking and eating going on to get to the bathroom. Last night, she accused me of letting her leg get cellulites again. She had an MD appointment this month and apparently canceled it. She was supposed to be wearing elastic hose and she threw them in the trash can. When she was asked about it she lied and said she did not throw them in the trash can. I had shown them to my husband when she threw them in there. She then proceeded to call me a bad nurse. I used to be a nurse. I let my license lapse because I destroyed my back and have a lot of pain from it. I am unable to work yet she wants me on call for them 24/7. If I go to a store to get groceries or my meds, I am running up and down the road. She screams and cries all the time. My mom never once told me she loved me or hugged me. I have now come to the decision that she is not my mother. I was in the hospital for 10 days and nearly died. She refused to come visit me. I was home 3 months and she never stuck her head in the door. I am very resentful. My brother said she would talk to her own flesh and blood in a manner that would peel the paint off the wall and then worship someone who wouldn't spit on her if she were on fall. Today my dad threatened to shoot me if SS came and checked on them. She is telling Home Health all this bunch of garbage. I wouldn't be surprised if they did show up. I am considering getting legal advice. I am afraid of both of them. She came home with a diagnosis of encephalopathy. I can't imagine threatening to shoot someone and then expecting me to go in their house. Can anyone please advise me what to do?
Good luck and let us know how you get on it really is a horrible situation but you have to look after you in the long run.
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The only way I have learned to deal with the bullying is through saying No and meaning it. I've also learned the value of walking away, leaving her alone with her anger at me. She has a hard time realizing that I have the right to say no to her, but if I don't she would consume my life totally with her unending requests.
I don't think there is any way to retrain a older bully. We just have to protect ourselves from them the best we can. I wouldn't push the elder abuse issue, since she might hurt your father and blame you with it. You don't want to give her that chance if she would be that mean. I would just see her as the bully she seems to be and document things she is doing. Keep yourself protected. And definitely stand up for your right to say No or Later. It will drive her crazy, but better her than you.
You're not a hospital. You aren't equipped to be hauling someone in and out of bed, particularly if he's verbally abusive. Let the brother's sister take care of them. Or your brother. You've done more than your fair share. Your mom and dad will never be the loving, caring appreciative people you wish they were. They have used and abused you and you've hoped that somewhere along the line, they'll change. They won't. But YOU can. Walk away.
This is a very unhealthy place to be and I know its tough when its their home. You need to look after yourself and your mental health get legal advice but my advice move out and help them with what you can, but noone has to be abused this way its no way to live. Let us know how you get on if i thought my mum was safe here on her own id be gone in a flash even next door. Hugs, this is so souldestroying for you. Try and put yourself first!
Since neither parent seems to be appreciative of what you do, I'd just let them take care of themselves. Do you have their POAs? Is dementia involved with either of them? If they're able to take care of themselves (even though they're choosing not to do a good job of that) and they don't have dementia, then why be the whipping boy for them? Back away and let them pay for help. Or get help from Medicaid if they can't afford help. It sounds like your brother is supportive of you and understands the situation. I don't think you have to make yourself a physical or mental wreck caring for two unappreciative, unloving people. Good luck with whatever you decide, it's just so sad you've been treated so badly by the very people who should love you and appreciate your help.