My mother is 89 years old and she lived with me for a year. Now she is in a care home. I was unable to care for her and work too. I go to see her 5 times a week. And take her out often. But she wants to live with me. It makes me feel so bad. I am the youngest of 5 kids. They never come to see her. And only call her once a mth if that. 10 years ago my mother made my brother POA and he pays her bills and looks after her property and finance afairs. He has no problem with that and dose it very well. But he can not take the time to see her.
Dealing with my mother alone is so hard. She often ask why her other kids do not come and I just do not know what to say. Why is it always one child that holds the bag?? My mother was 45 years old when I was born. And she has been sick most of my life. I have been the only care giver for her. I love the fact that I have been able to be with her. But I am not able to have a life of my own. It is just work and caring for her. I know one day I will wish for those times again. And I will miss her. So I keep telling myself that. But why is it that one mother can raise 5 kids and 5 kids can not care for one mother??
JD
Are you feeling guilty because you cannot bring her back to your home to live with you, or because your siblings do not visit?
Do not feel guilty about backing off a bit. If your mother is in good hands and all her needs are being met, then you have done the best thing for her. You cannot be responsible for anyone's happiness but your own. If you continue to "fix" everything for your Mom, including trying to make her happy, you will be dragged down with the undertoe...she will never stand on her own two feet, start meeting people at the facility, or participate in her own happiness.
I decided long ago that I had to divide myself into two people: 1) the daughter who can get emotional and feel bad about my Mom's decline...the one who listens to her concerns, etc., and 2) the person who is entrusted with her care and needs to make very logical and practical decisions about her living environment.
I would make one more plea to the sibs. Everyone can take 2 days out of the month to see her or call her or send her something. Get very specific..."Mom would really like to see you a couple times a month, it's been awhile since your last visit." or "Could you please send a little note to Mom or flowers or candy?" After that, it is their own sin if they do not care and I would go no further in trying to drag them there. (Also, doesn't she have a lot of grandchildren who are old enough to visit??)
Take care of yourself. Start planning what you want to do with your own life, and take time out of the day to think about anything but caregiving.
good luck....we're all in the same boat here!