I have been helping take care of her since February of this year .....and every day it's negative and complaining that flows from her voice. Although I go to work and I'm not home with her much but still is really getting to me! I need input on how to deal with constant negativity please
Also, try getting close to her face and smiling, making eye contact and petting her face. Bgive her focused love and attention. See if this breaks the negative loop.
If she has dementia, she may just be caught in negative loops she cannot control. You can answer by telling her you love her very much, and calling out some of her good qualities, talents and skills.
If none of that works, breathe and realize that you have to limit your contact and try not to internalize or take it personally . Find a way to transition or minimize the effects on your emotional and physical well-being. Good luck!
I am under a lot of stress and it affects my lupus, fibromyalgia, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis etc. I will continue to take care of her as long as possible. Last year I volunteered to work with a Child Advocate Agency and am almost finished with my first case. I work 20 to 30 hours per month. It is so rewarding to be able to advocate for children removed from their homes by CPS. It has been a Godsend. It has helped me to get away and but yet be productive. I guess what I'm saying is do something you like so it can lift your spirits. Because y'all are going to keep taking care of your loved ones and it is only going to get worse but make time for yourselves....God Bless!
As someone dealing with chronic head pain myself I know it's hard to stay positive when you just don't feel well. It's just hard. I can see how complicated it can get with the elderly because they can lose the ability to correlate feelings with physical ailments then Finding correct words to express it all. Maybe counseling would help? For her and you? Sounds like your doing a great job already.😊
When she doesn't change her conversation I tell her I love her and then I leave. I think it's helping her to see that I'm not the one to sit and engage her in negative talk. I know getting old is no fun, but let's face it done people don't get the opportunity :-( So granny and I just have to focus on making the best of each day we're given! ;-)