Hi everyone,
I'm kind of new to this lifestyle and I'm hoping I can receive advice and maybe help other young care givers with my story. My mother began showing signs of dementia when I was 18 years old. Honestly, because she was 61 and the forgetfulness was subtle and not quite often it was overlooked. By the time I turned 19, she was finally diagnosed with dementia after an accident that occurred when she was home alone and said men came to rob the house. She broke a window and injured her arm. When the police came, they said her story was not exactly straight and they were no signs of forced entry or broken windows besides the one she broke. Based on their evaluation, my dad and I decided it was time she saw a doctor. I am now 20 years old. After she had been diagnosed, everything changed. My mother was no longer able to be left home alone after dark, which became a challenge because only my dad and I live with her. I sometimes have late classes at my university and my dad works night shifts every other week therefore I have to hurry home before he has to leave. My older siblings all reside abroad except one who did not even bother to check in except when she wanted to ask for money. the strain that already existed amongst the members of my family have worsened because of the situation. My mother has developed a stubborn side that shows at least 3-4 times a day. She also hides things then forgets where she hid them, then accuses my dad and I of taking her things. Keeping the house tidy is becoming a lot more difficult as she no longer replaces things. As a young adult, i would say i had a great social life before my mum was diagnosed. Now, I hardly have the opportunities to go out and be social between work, school and taking care of my mother when my father has to work. These are all changes that I am still trying to get used to, but the main thing that I have struggled with the most is controlling my ability to suppress anger. I constantly have to remind myself that she's sick and getting upset will not do any good but i cant help it. If there's anyone out there experiencing anything similar, I want you to know that you are not alone and hopefully this creates a conversation that helps people along their journey like I hope it will for me. Thank you
I'm kind of new to this lifestyle and I'm hoping I can receive advice and maybe help other young care givers with my story. My mother began showing signs of dementia when I was 18 years old. Honestly, because she was 61 and the forgetfulness was subtle and not quite often it was overlooked. By the time I turned 19, she was finally diagnosed with dementia after an accident that occurred when she was home alone and said men came to rob the house. She broke a window and injured her arm. When the police came, they said her story was not exactly straight and they were no signs of forced entry or broken windows besides the one she broke. Based on their evaluation, my dad and I decided it was time she saw a doctor. I am now 20 years old. After she had been diagnosed, everything changed. My mother was no longer able to be left home alone after dark, which became a challenge because only my dad and I live with her. I sometimes have late classes at my university and my dad works night shifts every other week therefore I have to hurry home before he has to leave. My older siblings all reside abroad except one who did not even bother to check in except when she wanted to ask for money. the strain that already existed amongst the members of my family have worsened because of the situation. My mother has developed a stubborn side that shows at least 3-4 times a day. She also hides things then forgets where she hid them, then accuses my dad and I of taking her things. Keeping the house tidy is becoming a lot more difficult as she no longer replaces things. As a young adult, i would say i had a great social life before my mum was diagnosed. Now, I hardly have the opportunities to go out and be social between work, school and taking care of my mother when my father has to work. These are all changes that I am still trying to get used to, but the main thing that I have struggled with the most is controlling my ability to suppress anger. I constantly have to remind myself that she's sick and getting upset will not do any good but i cant help it. If there's anyone out there experiencing anything similar, I want you to know that you are not alone and hopefully this creates a conversation that helps people along their journey like I hope it will for me. Thank you
