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I am a 55 year old female; very interested in the healthcare field, studied for 8 years, am certified massage therapist, have experience in studying energy medicine. Now my 80 year old mother is living home but is missing some of her capacities. My dad died about 3 years ago, my brother lives with her and has a full time job so he's home only at night.
Because of my experience, I felt like the right person to provide her with some help. She has piles of magazines & catalogues all over the house but doesn't want them moved so it's difficult to clean. When I gave her a massage she ended up telling me what to do and when I try to help her make healthy choices in her food, she complained about all my cooking and I found stashes of cookies and candy anyway. I am frustrated, to say the least.
The bottom line is: should I stay or should I go?

sometimes, it is more frustrating to deal with a person you love than a complete stranger. Only you can decide whether to stay, or not, but if you are thinking about leaving you have to also consider how you will feel about that decision after your mother passes away. One tactic that you could try when you are getting frustrated is to disassociate. Pretend to yourself she is a typical nonrelated patient. You may not get as upset, or take her bad behavior as personally if you imagine your not as invested as you really are. Maybe there is some sort of compromise, too. There are some senior daycare centers, or perhaps hiring a caretaker for a couple of days a week might give you a well needed break.

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(Rating: 5) your advice was extremely practical. Not at all based on emotions, but reality. Thank you
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