Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
T
Thunder5 Asked December 2019

My mother is yelling and has caregiver burnout, will not let home health come help her with my dad. Any advice?

My mother called me last night and stated she got very angry with my father that is approaching late stage of dementia. She’s frustrated he can’t remember her name, the day or even to dress himself when she lays out his clothes. She’s upset he cannot remember things he was told to do immediately. I’m trying my best to let her know that dementia is only going to get worse and that her husband cannot remember things because it’s the disease impeding on his brain. I’ve asked her if she’s made her appt to see a counselor and she’s not answered me. Her doctor has told me that they’ve sent over the referral for her. I’ve asked her about home health and she states that she cannot let anyone in her house to take care of her husband because then what is she going to do? She admitted she couldn’t be at the house with a nurse. Well, that explains why all the therapists that were coming to see my dad are no longer going to see him. I’m also afraid that my father will fall trying to dress himself because he’s unstable and my mother doesn’t watch him dress. The list goes on. Any words of wisdom is greatly appreciated

BarbBrooklyn Dec 2019
I have to agree with Peace, it sounds as though mom has her own cognitive issues.

Talk to HER doctor about what actions you might take to alleviate her issues and help your father.

I might enlist the local Area Agency on Aging to get some help for her, maybe to get her out of the house for grocery shopping while dad has therapy.

Ahmijoy Dec 2019
Your mother is in the Great State of Denial. And it’s not welcoming her. She’s reacting with anger and striking out in addition to trying to ignore the inevitability of what’s going to happen to your father. She knows whats coming. Few of us reach this age today with no knowledge of dementia. As for having strangers, even medical professionals in her home, I understand how she feels. I dislike having home health in my home as well. Even if they say nothing, I always feel they are judging me.

While your mother is burned out and angry, you will not be able to reason with her. Try offering her some respite care. Sit with your father for a few afternoons a week or on the weekend. Make and pay for a salon appointment for her. Things like that. When she’s had some downtime, approach her about home health or even a facility.

ADVERTISEMENT


peace416 Dec 2019
I hesitate to bring this up but do you think your mother has any cognitive issues herself? Do you think she would be willing to see her doctor who could prescribe anti-anxiety/ depression meds especially since she doesn't appear to be interested counseling? I have a feeling moving your father to NH/ Memory care is out of the question?

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter