How do you tell your bossy, needy, controlling mother you can't stand her?
Oh my, I have worked a full time week and today I must make a journey to do my mothers grocery shopping and a ton more of her errands. I'll be driving for over 4 hours return trip depending on traffic. I made the mistake of telling her I would stay over tonight and we could just hang out. Me and my big mouth after to much wine. This morning I could kick myself because I had to tell her that I will not be staying over. So the guilt trip accompanies my phone call. I can't bear another night of her full on negativity and all about how things are SO bad for her and my husband hasn't had time from his job to built her a ramp to get her up and down in a wheel chair. Did I mention she weighs 200 lbs. of dead weight? She is also angry at me because I have NOT got her to a eye doctor because I can't get her out of the house without a ramp or motorized wheel chair. She turned down a free one that was hardly used. Now I am also expected to some how find a way to get her to the hospital to see my dad so she can ream him out for not wanting to co-operate with the hospital staff. Right now, I just want to stick my head in a gas oven and inhale the fumes.
Anksana
Your husband may not have to build a ramp. If your mother has to have a wheel chair, her doctor may be able to do a prescription for a ramp that should be covered by Medicare... Part B, I believe. My mother has a steel ramp that works for most steps and also trucks if needed. She got this ramp when she got her motorized wheelchair. She didn't pay for hers.
I can be hard spending too much time with our parents. I spend an hour or two during the evening with my mother, but we never have anything to talk about. I'm also concerned that what I say will lead to her fussing. She takes the opposite view as I do on things I say, often even switching her position to make sure it is opposite of mine. :) I think many older people do this. Maybe a little debate makes them feel more in touch.
One word about the oven -- That is an old myth. Methane isn't poisonous to breathe, so sticking our head in the oven isn't lethal unless the oven is lit and we bake ourselves. Head in gas oven would be lethal if someone came in and sparked the gas, but then the whole house might blow. So, no point in putting your head in the oven. You might as well just live on. The only advice I would have is to be as nice to yourself as you are to others.
If she does have dementia (my mom does), reasoning won't work. Then you can tell her the same as above, your own availability, and then stick to that. This way, you have at least told her, thought she won't remember.
You could also contact the council on aging and they might be able to offer further suggestions.
Good luck