It’s the middle of the night and you want to scream:
You’re angry!
You’re embarrassed!
Your Mom…Dad…Life Partner is acting strangely…
You ask yourself: Who is this person? …and…
What is going on here?
You are experiencing caregiver burnout. I know how you feel. Just like you, I’ve “been there and done that.” And I can now say: IT’S NOT ABOUT YOU and IT’S NOT ABOUT ME!!!
It took me forever to understand this. The woman who birthed me, raised me, nurtured me, and loved me…MY MOTHER…had become a new person—and not a very lovable one at that. Sound familiar?
At around age 77, she changed. Gradually, but noticeably. After a lifetime of kindness and consideration. She changed and, suddenly, I needed eldercare guidance...desperately!
Could this be my mother—this woman who went out of her way to insult and demean others…including me…and who rejected all of my efforts to help her? Or......
COULD IT BE THE DEMENTIA?
(The Answer Next Time)
Bob Tell
Author, "Dementia Diary, A Caregiver's Journal"
http://www.dementia-diary.com
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