My elderly 81 year old widowed mother has chosen to live independently at home. Yet she expects everyone else to take on her responsibilities of being able to live independently. Doesn't matter that she is capable of doing a lot of things for herself. She feels she is entitled to this treatment because of her age and doesn't feel she should pay for any services she requires, even though she has the finances to do it. Her expectations are directed at neighbors and family. Her sense of entitlement caused her loss of friendships and now the neighbors and family members are starting to back away. I cannot possibly take on all this responsibility she expects. Any advice?
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I don't want to sound bad, I love my parents, but I don't take care of myself nearly as well as I take care of her. The other day she actually said to me "I have cancer, people should do things for me". This is wrong on so many levels!!! She said this after she asked me to fix her phone and I told her I would be happy to, just get me the phone. That's when she called my sister out of the other room to get it so my mother wouldn't have to stand up and walk 5 feet. Now, in her defense, she wasn't feeling well, and she was devastated by bad news about her cancer but still...as an RN, I know that playing victim and never moving isn't good for anyone. It's all so dysfunctional. I know I'm not going to change her at this point, I just have to set boundaries and not let my health and relationships continue to suffer.
Our youngest sister was never a victim, she always agreed with Mom, and I think she might like the fighting. After Dad died and Mom returned to live near her children, we all predicted she would start a major family war within 3 years. So far she hasn't been able to do it, I think we are all (well except one) doing our best to not let her. The damage that was done in the past wars keeps my siblings from being able to love each other. I think that was part of her overall plan, she only wanted us to love her. Who does this to their own children? Well, you know who does it.
Hey emjo:) My mom is still deeply disappointed that she can't get my brothers to each stop by once a week to take out her garbage. My sister takes it out for her twice a week, this hasn't stopped mom's complaints. She wants my brothers to do it and won't be happy until that happens. One of my brothers stopped by on his way to a funeral, all dressed up, and she asked him to check the oil on her car.
oncehatedDIL -you have got it! I hope your sister becomes less enmeshed and sticks up for herself. What a bad message to her children. Mum won't even put out the garbage??? Wow what a case, and someone does it for her. I am shaking my head. Huge control issues!!!
RobynII, if I have it correctly you are working nights, and working days too to care for your parents. What makes you say people would wonder what you have to complain about?
She is growing unhappier as everyone is being firm as none of them desire to be at her beck and call - except one sister. Mom wants to be driven to the grocery store and accompanied as she grocery shops. Of course she wants driven to her appointments, taken out for meals - when its convenient for HER. They all work so this is not easy for anyone. She doesn't want to make friends or join any senior groups so they are all expected to be her sole source of social company at the times she specifies. You can't have your own life, if you have her over to your home for a visit she will be rude to any of your friends as she doesn't think they should be there during her visit. Now its all falling on one sister who doesn't seem capable of setting down limits as she feels sorry for Mom. The others are being firm with her, which is reasonable.
The one sister who is doing the bulk of the work was even asked to not bring her children anymore to their regularly scheduled -every- Saturday nights. Mom wants someone to take her out to eat and she is happy to pay (part of how she operates, she must always pay) but she didn't like the company of the grandchildren or paying for them to eat. My sister is a single mom, who of course, now leaves her kids at home per request.
Recently Mom invited several siblings over for dinner - her purpose was to discuss the undone projects she had assigned them and to get them to confirm a time to do their assignments.
Oh, she's a hoot alright.
In my opinion, my sister is keeping my mom from the realization bigkate90 wrote about. I am sure my sister complains to her friends that no one else helps or cares. My suggestion would be that you only do what you want willingly, because doing "what you can" is something entirely different and a good way to end up resenting your Mom and your siblings.