Have any questions about how to use the community? Check out the Help Discussion.

I needed an outlet to rant sorry I rambled

I am 25 and I quit my job about a year ago to help my parents take care of my grandmother with Alzheimer's. She lives with my parents but I do not live with them. I take care of my grandmother during the day and anytime my parents need help on the weekends, which isn't too much. Lately she's become very combative and argues with absolutely everything I say. I hate it I don't want to fight, I don't want to argue but it feels like she's looking for a fight. I try my best to deflect or just move on but no matter what I say she will be mad at everything I do and say. More and more I notice she acts like a child...she took care of me when I was young so I can only imagine how frustrating it would be to now have the roles reversed.
I feel like I'm going crazy sometimes. I know that this disease causes people to act different and can alter emotions but I don't know how to handle her irrational anger. Everything is my fault even when its something completely out of my control, I know I can't reason with her but I just wish there was something I could do, at least do something so she not angry and arguing.
Like I said I don't live with her so I can at least get a break everyday but I'm so tired of it, I don't want to abandon my parents and leave them high and dry with her but I feel like I'm so close to my breaking point. I'm really hard on myself, I feel like I should be able to handle this better especially since I don't live with her and get time away from her everyday.

Comments

  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 2,342
    1,000 Likes 1,000 Insightfuls Reactions 500 Care Reactions 1000 Comments
    Member

    Welcome. Ranting is definitely welcome here. We get it. So sorry you are going through this. Anger and resentment are not uncommon with dementia and are often directed towards the caretaker (ironically the one doing all the work). You are absolutely right not to argue with her. It will serve no purpose and you will still be wrong. Her brain is not working correctly. Many with dementia also have anosognosia this is the inability to recognize their own symptoms or limitations. Since they think they are fine they get angry with anyone who tries to help them or limit their independence. Sometimes distractions work (ice cream) or just sympathizing with her might work, but probably not often enough. You said she acts kid a child. I will attach a staging tool. If you look closely you will see that it actually has an age equivalence at each stage. My mom told me “ you’re not the boss of me, I can do whatever I want”. Have your parents talked with her doctor about medication for anxiety. Even if she is already on something, it might be time to increase the dose. The right medication and dose will not make her a zombie! You might also ask your doctor about medication. I put it off for way too long, but it has helped a lot. I know I sound like I’m just pushing drugs, but I don’t know how you can get through this without them. I’m glad you found our group.

  • blacksparky
    blacksparky Member Posts: 424
    500 Likes 500 Care Reactions 250 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Comments
    Member

    I agree withH1235. Increasing current meds or switching to another one until her anxiety decreases. My DW is on both Zoloft and Serequel. It works most of the time. May have to increase Serequel though. I also have introduced CBD gummies which help too. Keep watching here and you will get great advice from people who have been in your shoes.

  • Quilting brings calm
    Quilting brings calm Member Posts: 3,274
    1,000 Insightfuls Reactions 1,000 Likes 2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary
    Member

    I agree with sandwich. You need to be working and building your current and future income and your retirement savings. Because you don’t want your future kids to pay for you ( if you have any)… and if you don’t have any, you need to have enough savings to take care of you. Your grandma is your parent’s responsibility. I have a feeling you will be taking on responsibility for your parents at some point since they let you take responsibility for your grandma rather than tell you to concentrate on yourself.

  • Michele P
    Michele P Member Posts: 549
    500 Comments 250 Likes 250 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    My ex and I were in your shoes early in our marriage. We never stopped working but had the daily stress of helping with the care of a relative. Here’s my advice to you: you are too young to put your life on hold and help with this care. You need to live your life and work. Not working now with have a severe impact on your income and future job opportunities. If your parents need help, they need to figure out if that involves in home hired care or out of home placement. Please, do not get guilted into putting your life on hold. My relative had Alzheimer’s for 20 years! It changed our lives forever and led to divorce.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 3,421
    1,500 Insightfuls Reactions 1,500 Likes 2500 Comments 1,000 Care Reactions
    Member

    I agree you should be living your life. If you do choose to continue to care for your grandmother, learn all you can about dementia and how to care for her. First never argue with her. You can’t reason with someone whose reasoner is broken. Apologize and promise to never do it again even if you’re not in the wrong. Redirect or distract. Learn what triggers her. She is like a child and it will probably get worse. She needs anti anxiety medication. Talk to her doctor asap. Read the book “The 36 Hour Day” and search online for dementia caregiving videos by Tam Cummings or Teepa Snow. Give these suggestions to your parents too.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more