While I'm caring for mom I do some work at home to keep that extra money coming in. Normally I need to be in front of the computer from around 1 to 4:30 or so. The occasional interruption is to be expected, however over the last couple of months she's been very demanding during those afternoon hours. I try to set her all up and find something to keep her relatively busy during the afternoon but when she's in a mood nothing stops her from calling for me literally every ten minutes, usually about nothing. For example, she'll yell for me at 2:30 and ask me if she's "due for any pills" even though she always takes her meds first thing in the AM and right before bed. It gets pretty maddening sometimes, as it's tough to concentrate on much when your train of thought is being constantly derailed. Anyone have a suggestion or a tip on how to counteract this habit?
The child wants to be involved in what mom is doing. maybe you can get her her own computer set up beside yours and load it with disks that she may enjoy.
The other suggestions may work better for your Mom but it is worth a try. Another option is to put a headset on so you can't hear her
Are there any projects you can give her during the afternoon? Folding laundry? Sorting junk mail from real mail? Drying dishes?
If there's some way you can make her feel needed, and contributing to the household care, she might not be at such loose ends. I think the real key is to occupy her mind in such a way that she feels valued.
Or, does she read? Have any favorite tv programs? Work puzzles?
Would there be any way to keep your Mom busy enough in the morning that after lunch she would nap? If not, maybe make her main meal be at lunch time, enough that it would make her sleepy, thus less likely to bother you. A boring TV show might help.
I can understand trying to concentrate while doing work, my boss is constantly interrupting me with one thing or another, I can't multi-task. Wish I could hold up a sign that says NOT RIGHT NOW, I AM BUSY.