Hello. I am a live in caregiver for my 93 year old mother. My older brother has decided I am stealing his "inheritance." Not true of course. I believe from his behavior he has mental issues. He called my mom and made wild accusations which caused her to cry. Days later he called again, got very confrontational with her on the phone, I interrupted, he was yelling at me on the phone, demanding. Because it was so disturbing, I went in mom's room and asked mom to hang up the phone. Mom heard him say he would never call again and obscene language she feels was directed at her. Mom is crying everyday and is quiet and moody. She wants to hear from her son. I cannot resolve things to his satisfaction. What can I do to help mom? It's not easy to get her out of the house. Could counseling help? Thanks for any reply.
If you think your brother is mentally unstable, you might talk to your mother about that. "Mom, I am so sorry Brother is not talking to us right now. I think he is mostly mad at me. But you know what? I think he is not quite himself. Over the last few years I think he has developed some mental or emotional problems. He wouldn't be behaving like this is he were well." Also don't try to talk her out of her grief. Acknowledge it. "I really miss Brother, too, Mom."
I'd give mom some time to process this situation, being gentle with her as she works through her grief.