When my parent moves things around constantly and denies it, I know, I shouldn't even ask because they suffer from Dementia and dont remember or they fiddle with the Computer wires. I get frustrated and snappy and impatient and feel so guilty after like I'm a no good person! I usually apologize for getting frustrated and impatient but sometimes they play on that a little. I just end up feeling extremely guilty, horrible about myself for the rest of the day or night.
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But I always remind myself ‘what harm was done?’
If the house is still in one piece and no ones hurt, we’re good!
Hang in there and don’t feel bad for having emotions and apologizing. You have a lot on your shoulders.
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This mantra helped me to minimize my impatience: "It is not Husband who is doing this. It is the dementia." And when I did occasionally snap, I'd apologize. "Oh honey, I am so sorry I was so angry. I am not really mad at you. I am very angry at this awful disease, and I know it is not your fault."
If you didn't feel a little guilty after doing something you shouldn't have done I'd question your fitness to be a caregiver. But keep things in proportion, please. "Oops. I shouldn't have done that. I'll apologize and try not to repeat the mistake." But making a mistake doesn't make you a no-good person! Apologize and move on. Feeling horrible the rest of the day wastes energy and gets in the way of being the great caregiver you want to be.
They say the key is to walk away. Of course, it's hard to walk away when they are about to break something, or stab themselves trying to open something with a knife, or when they're sitting on the floor in their own poo, or when you have to get them somewhere, like NOW, and they are dawdling like a little kid. Then you just have to stop them, or get them moving, or whatever you have to do. And reap the consequences.
I think eventually you figure out which things are worth the consequences and which are better to walk away from. I haven't got the balance quite down yet, but I'm getting better.
I felt guilty as hell for a long time, for my frustration and impatience. I don't feel guilty anymore.
This is a hard job we have and we fall down get up and keep going. I pray a lot and rely on God for strength.
Don't beat yourself up, the fact that you feel bad, as Jeannie said shows you do care.
She came around because she realizes that I’m all she has.
I had been holding in my emotions which resulted in severe anxiety! So I’ve learned to manage that so I don’t take it out on her or me!
Long walks, reading, yoga, deep breathing, spending time with boyfriend and even work are my escapes.
It’s tough sometimes but I remind myself I only have one Grandma and I really do adore her.
It’s always a challenge to caregive so give yourself some space to live your life.
but I visit a lot. and stay for several hours. So during those time, YES
I loose my patience. I don't say anything bad, but my patience may be apparent to my mom.
because she wants to do things her way :) Wont listen to what she needs to do. She also hides things, moves things, breaks things, removes batteries from clocks and remotes.(and she wants me to fix) I get frustrated a lot. Mostly I get anxiety about the future, I know it doesn't help to worry. I try to just take it day by day.
My mom thinks she is perfectly Ok. So just try to focus on having a good visit..
I try not to discuss certain issues with her. Certain issues, she just wants more info, then she cant remember the details. ie: going around in circles...
she had staples in her arm from a recent fall. and supposed to keep these strips on the wound. AL is supposed to watch, but mostly falls back on me to keep track. so yeah mom pulled off the strips...
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