We both work, and she is far from an easy person to deal with.
She is financially able to pay for caregivers, and we have had several good people with her, but she runs them off. Mom is 93 and while there are signs of dementia, she is still mentally aware of the money being spent, and she is a control freak. As the only daughter, she believes I should move in and take over her care full time. I am married and my husband comes first. I make sure she has good caregivers, take her to all appointments, and keep her stocked with the groceries, medications, and other things she needs.
I know because my elderly mom lived on her own for over 20 yrs after Dad died. She had to give up driving after getting lost, driving over curbs, etc..Her nutrition got bad because she wanted potato chips and ice cream. After fighting with my older sister for over a year, we placed her in memory care. She is good there, very well cared for..now, we can go see her and actually visit with her instead of cleaning and gathering laundry and taking food. She is now 95 and physically healthy, but dementia is bad...she should have been in this home five years ago.
"Mom, I absolutely cannot do that"
Or, a more modern approach:
"That's never going to happen".
Allow your brother to speak for himself.
Let her stew on what that looks and feels like for a few days.
She may come to appreciate all you do for her, if not, next stop a facility.
I made it abundantly clear to my parents years ago that I would not give up my life to care for them. I will set up supports, but not provide hands on care nor financial support.
No is a complete sentence.
That emotion (guilt) is EXACTLY what she is using to get what she wants.
Bravo for you that you put your hubs first. That's the way it should be.
Mom is throwing a tantrum (by running off caregivers). She needs to suffer the consequences of her actions. Only then will she see how important they are to her. Whatever you do, do NOT give in.
Like Tothill said, "NO" is a complete sentence. Not "I'm sorry" with a big explanation because she will use your reasons against you. "I can't." End of discussion. Walk away if she nags or whines. This is a tough love situation. You being her solo c/g is not a healthy decision. You are an adult (her peer) and should make decisions based on what is right for you and your immediate family. No parent should "guilt" their child into giving up their life to cater to them (in my opinion).
You are doing plenty for her. She will be forced to accept your decision. She is fortunate that she can afford good help. Maybe you could bring up going to a nursing home. I'll bet the c/g's would look pretty good in comparison to that.
She was reluctant but after staying with me for a few weeks after a hospitalization and seeing my on-the-go life, where she spent most of the day and evenings alone, she agreed to a trial stay in AL. It was a revalation, 3 meals a day, laundry, housekeeping, on-call assistance, etc. and she decided that was the life for her.
We visited several facilities before settling on one near me, her friends, and other family. It’s been 3 weeks and she is happy and healthier than I have seen her in months. She can sit in her room and watch TV or go to the common room and socialize if she wants company. And at 91 she one of the oldest and most physically active residents.
its a journey and there were moments when I felt guilty but stand your ground. One of the directors told me "now you can be the daughter again." Instead of doing chores I can sit and visit with her.
My late mom & I lived states apart. She would come visit abt 3 times a year for 1-2.5 week sets after dad died. I’m a freelancer so I’d visit 5-6 times a year solo or with kid & hubs (working remotely) in tow. Whichever way, we did not drop everything cause she was visiting or we were visiting her and center on her. We both knew what our lives were like other than being together for an event. The visit kid & I arrived and the gas was on the stove unlit and mom was in her bedroom happily watching TV & folding clothes, I put her on waiting list at ILs. She very well knew we had full lives & I wasn’t going to become her live in caregiver. Day of the move she was frozen in fear, in tears, dramatics. Next morning I called abt 8 AM to see if she was up and remind her to her apt tag hung outside her door by 9 AM for daily staff hallway check. Day after ditto. Day 3 called...no answer, waited 15, no answer, again, no answer, it’s 9:30 AM I’m getting dressed to rush over, death scenarios running thru my brain & call one last time..... she answers totally out of breath,
me: you ok mom? I’ve been calling.....
mom: yes thought I heard the phone ringing, had to rush back to get in, have to go, the van is taking us to Steinmart.
click.
We all can learn to adapt & adjust.
Tell her I am married my husband comes first. You have good care givers, if you continue to run them off we have no choice but to have you move to a care facility.
Your brother must be present and back you 100 percent. If he doesn’t then tell him you will suggest she move in with him.
If she gets upset then say I am sorry you are upset but my husband is my priority. Then walk out the door and don’t look back.
Eleanor Roosevelt said it best “ you can only be a doormat when you first lay down”.