What do I do???

I will say this...my mom had dementia..and she got bad really fast. She was delusional..and to her, in her own mind, what she thought.... was all true. She had stories and ideas that I would shake my head at. But with the dementia.. it was better to not argue, it would only escalate her temper. There were days when my husband was the bad guy. Mom would say things to me...and I would just shrug it off. I truly think mom would dream things..and all her dreams were reality to her.
I would ask her doctor about what you can give her. I think some medications will give them more delusions. But for what its worth...your mom is young. And if you cannot do it and need to work on whats in front of you...that's your future. I know it was hard for me to even consider. But I did because I was thinking of how things affected my family at home. However...my mom was 91. I knew her time was limited...and the nurses saw all the signs that she was close to the end. I think you really need to step back and see what's important to you. Good Luck..and God Bless.

I know how it is. My mother makes up stories too. Thankfully not as bad as your problem. My mother said the last time I was there, that she had driven to my house just the other day, but I wasn't home. That is a made up story for sure. She doesn't have a car, she doesn't have a DL, and she is in a locked down facility. She did not drive to my house 150 miles away. But she sure thought she had. So MM, I agree with the others take care of yourself and your marriage first.

If Mom has usually been sweet and quiet, I wonder if there is something physical going on that contributes to her sourness now. Has she been checked for a uti? That is one infection that can create havoc for someone with dementia, or even the elderly without dementia. If this change came on recently I'd definitely talk to her doctor about it.

Does you mother receive social security or pension payments? Paying your niece should definitely come out of her money. You have way too much on your plate to take on her financial needs, too.

In fact, I suggest that you call Social Services in your county and ask for a needs assessment. You might as well take advantage of every benefit she is entitled to.

You have responsibilities to yourself, your marriage, your children, and your mother. Your mother cannot come consistently first, at the expense of your other responsibilities. Her dementia may or may not let her understand that, but you know it and must act accordingly.

What a terrible position for you to be in! You're a good daughter AND a good wife.

Suggestion: Safeguard your marriage. Being a caregiver is stressful enough but you work and you have a husband. Make sure your marriage outlives your mother. Make your husband a bigger priority than your mom. I'm not saying neglect your mom but let your husband know he comes first. You are lucky to have eachother.

Do you believe your husband molested your mom? Of course not! Make it a non-issue and don't give your mom's allegations too much time and energy. You know it didn't happen. Your husband knows it didn't happen and that's all that matters.

Getting your niece to help your mom with her hygeine was a good decision. I know you have a lot on your plate but deal with one thing at a time. You don't have to solve all the issues and problems today. Deal with them as they come up.

I think you're doing a great job!

My mother also have trouble with making up stories. Today she told me of how someone had called me and talked to me about her tithes to the church. She was busy trying to figure out how much she owed. The conversation never happened and she is caught up with her tithes. The conversation and problem were completely out of her imagination. I don't think there is a way to stop the imaginary stories, only minimize any damage they do. MMendez, you and your niece know she was making up stories. However, I know your husband feels mortified to be at the center of the stories, particularly because he is ill already. Has he talked to you about how he feels and what he would like to do?

I do think you need to defend your husband, because he is important. Chances are your mother feels that if he weren't available and your niece wasn't available, you would have to be there more. Let your husband knows that lies about him will not be ignored. I know it is important to him -- it would be to me.

I know that you have to do what you feel is right. I hope that everyone can live together in such a way that there are no uncomfortable feelings. What has worked with me on a couple of occasions was to put my foot down and tell my mother that she would NOT question my character. Maybe that would work for her with your husband. She will NOT question his character -- you know him, so you know he is a good man.

Hi MMendez, first, do you think your mom is completely making these allegations up or is she just mixed up about what is appropriate touching and what is not? I just ask as it will matter in how you handle the situation. Either way I think you are smart to have your neice helping out with the more delicate caregiving tasks until the matter is solved, if it can be.
When my Mom was here for a week and I was watching her she would get kind of crabby when my own daughter's needs interfered with her's so one time when my daughter was needing me I said to her for my mom to hear "Daughter, Grandma knows your needs come first , you do not have to worry about me not taking care of you. " I said this more so my Mom would realize that my daughter's needs do, in deed, come before hers--sorry-- but it is true. Not that I would neglect her but when I have to make a choice my daughter gets first pick. My Mom kinda sat back looking a little perplexed but it shut her up. It is my intention, that , if I do indeed take my Mom on full time, she understands that, while her needs will be met she is not the center of attention. She will need to make sacrifices just like the rest of us and my daughter and my husband's needs come first. She is very impatient but will have to learn to wait her turn!

Maybe you need to say that to your husband in front of your Mom-for both of them to hear. Just say " Husband -er, his name- you are my first priority. Before all eles. My Mom knows that when we got married you and I pledged to take care of each other. I trust you and I thank you for all the time you have given in helping my Mom. " and then let it sink in.

Just a thought. I have no idea if this will help but it sure made my Mom sit quiet for a bit.

God bless. Hang in there (((( hugs))))

your mother will, like any bully, will only push you as far as youll let her. ya might have to get a little bugeyed with her.. there are a whole new class of meds that could help your husband if you can access them. they halt and even somewhat reverse liver damage even in late stage cirrhosis. even in the presence of hepc.. good luck to your family.