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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]It’s been almost 1.5 years since I moved my then 79 yo father close to me and started overseeing his care. He and my late mother fell behind on so many things, yet resisted help, so when she died and dad became amenable to being helped, I had a lot on my plate.

I was excited at first, as I was close to him as a child and teen but then I didn’t have many opportunities to keep the connection. But then, I went through a range of emotions such as disappointment, anger, and compassion. Now I just want to jot down some thoughts that helped me make peace with the new status quo. They are by no means revolutionary but I mostly want to lay them out.

- your parent is most likely not the person you remember from when you still lived at home, and most change will be for the worse. The sooner you get rid of illusions of a renewed friendship, the better. Your parent is most likely a boring old person who is annoying because he always needs help and is trying to make you their emotional support. Not a long lost friend.

- the sooner you build an emotional cocoon around yourself the better. Be nice but don’t get dragged into serious discussions, and don’t share any problems or expect meaningful input.

- physically limit the time you spend with your parent. Them being close doesn’t mean you owe them your time.
If they can survive on their own for a week or a month, it’s fine not to see them more often. It’s better to have nice short visits than frequent long ones where you are irritated or annoyed and then feel guilty when it’s over.

- limit the dr visits to serious conditions that need to be managed. Don’t come back to see a podiatrist every 3 months just because your parent had some calluses removed once. Everyone wants to milk Medicare and Medicaid so don’t fall for that.

- it is ok to ask your parent to stop complaining about stuff that doesn’t require your action, all those daily aches and such. I told my dad it makes me worry and if he wants me to take him to the dr I will but he should say so. He still complains but not as much, I just say I’m sorry I wish I could help! And try not to get emotionally involved.

- if your parent offers you financial help of any kind, accept it. Actually don’t let them keep their money while you spend your own. It builds resentment! And it’s good for the parent to feel like they are useful to their kids. Basically try to do as much wealth transfer as possible (without abuse of course). It’s better if money goes to you than to some scammers or new spouses.

- I didn’t realize how early some people become incapable of self care. Ideally try to start overlooking your parents’ eye and ear and dental health as early as their 60s! I know not every parent is amenable to this but it’s good to try.

- if you can, bring your parents closer to you as early as possible while they are still somewhat sane and capable. Keeping an eye on them is good for them and good for your future inheritance, hopefully keeping scammers away. Also don’t be afraid to be assertive and take away phones, cars, bank account controls etc. This varies widely, some parents are resistant to it but ideally at the first signs of inadequacy controls should go to the kids.

- last but not least. Don’t expect your parents to be your friends or even someone whose company you enjoy. If they are indeed great people - that’s great and you are lucky. But most elderly parents will be miserable, behind the times, and generally a burden of some sort. And it’s ok as long as you anticipate it and aren’t disappointed.

Ok I think I am done for now :) [/quote]

OP I related to so much. Very useful and insightful post. I really had to have that emotional cocoon. The money thing is so complicated. I did not feel right accepting anything, but it really is jarring to see what happens. While I was spending my own money on things to help my wealthy mom and refusing reimbursement for that or for my time, I got totally screwed. She became more resentful of me rather than more appreciative. The sibling who was barely in her life, swooped in, turned her against me and had her funding EVERYTHING. Cousins swooped in for handouts AND she was considered cognitively fine by screeners.

I think if I had accepted money I would have felt guilty and the sibling who took advantage would have used that against me. So my advice is actually hire out a lot if the parent can afford it. I finally had to do that when the parent became abusive, but I should have done it sooner. I would have much rather had pleasant visits where I wasn't doing tasks or playing driver.

I would add to that, if your parent becomes abusive you figure out how to remove yourself from the equation. We don't discuss that enough. I my case it was not due to dementia, but often times it is. There is a lot of garbage advice from experts. Nobody deserves abuse. I wasted years using methods and strategies. In our case I could hire out everything, but if I could not I would have had to find out what was available to her even if it were a lousy facility because I was losing my will to live and I was useless to my family. No amount of therapy or sipping tea while reading a book was going to do it. I should not have made all the sacrifices I did. I could have been working more, and I could have been there more for my family. Thank goodness I did eventually step back and it was life-changing. [/quote]

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