My mother is 103 and still at home with help. I am there every day as well. Over the last six months a recurring subject has arisen. It used to happen maybe every few months, but now is daily. My mother believes we are stealing from her. First it was an adding machine my dad had fifty years ago. Then it was a suitcase, a radio, a pot, food, a bracelet, and finally that I am hiding jewelry my dad kept for girlfriends. There are three of us who manage her care on a daily basis. We never know day to day when she will start, only that she will accuse one of us. Yesterday it was a radio. She was in a rage over it. She claims that she listens to it at night yet she is deaf. I have no idea what the radio even looks like. The other day she accused one of the girls of stealing her bracelet. The girl remained very calm and said to her the bracelet is where it always kept. Last week she accused one of the girls of stealing her dinner yet it was in the fridge on a plate. Since she won't listen to reason I have found leaving her house gets her attention. I have been caring for her now for over three years 24/7. I am tired, stressed, etc. I have broached a nursing home, but she says you can't make me leave my house. It won't be long before the girls quit as they have tired of the constant abuse. The first service I had working lasted three days. She can be terribly abusive. I really don't know what to do at this point. I have decided to limit my time at her house.
We never bother with duplicates as she only loses unusual, old or worn items.
She will also decide something is not hers, wrap it in fabric (so as to not smudge fingerprints) and bring it to me for investigation. I set aside a huge box into which I put all those items, in case she later reports them stolen.
It’s really tough not to take it personally.
Sometimes it’s difficult not to laugh when one glove has clearly been stolen by thieves who have broken into the house and removed it from her coat pocket. These thieves are remarkably skilled as they can sometimes return said glove by putting them both together in the other pocket while we’re standing there.
I often loudly muse that MY house has never been robbed (we live in adjacent, isolated houses) but I sure wish I could remember where I’ve put all the things I’VE MISPLACED. Eternally optimistic that it’ll sink in.
Good luck! Remember, don’t take it to heart!
Has she been tested for UTIs as they can sometimes cause psychiatric issues?
The second culprit to check out are possible side effects from meds. This would be a very good thing to talk with a doctor about if you have one you trust. If you have been blown off, look for a second opinion.
The third thing to look into is seeing if she can be put onto medication to help with this behavior. There could be all kinds of things at play at this age—from depression/anxiety to actual dementia itself. Sometimes SSRIs and other neurological meds can help.
You may be at the point of needing to place her into a home. My family went through that with a grandparent. It sucks. They never want to go, but part of that is because things like dementia can really mess with someone's ability to make good choices for themselves and also it causes paranoia. If she is getting hurt a lot and it is becoming torturous to care for her and for help to care for her, she may really need that 24 hour care in a home that is set up for people at such a stage of life.
You will hear about some people doing terrible at these places, but my grandparent was actually a lot better off. There was a lot more social contact with people—plus the meds, therapy and meals were being given at proper times. It was such a good fit, that mental health (and even memory) actually improved. My grandparent made friends there and even started dating. Some members in my family actually thought the Alzheimers was either misdiagnosed or reversed. It's not going to be that way for everyone (lots of factors involved—and sometimes it is better for some people to stay in their house if they can) but just wanted to let you know that sometimes a good care home can be the best thing—even if they fear it at first.
Wow, I'm really at a loss for words here. Can you call the "Alzheimer's Association" 24/7 hotline and talk to one of their counselors. I've called them many times over the past four months. Their number is 1-800-279-3900. The person who answers the phone takes down your information and gets an idea of your situation. If there's a counselor available at that moment, they will transfer you. If one isn't, they take your number and return your call. When that has happened to me, they have always called back that same day. A lot of the times they will follow up with an email and give additional resources as well. Good luck and I hope you give us an update!
FOR HER, in terms of safety, comfort, and meeting her physical needs, she requires an environment that gives her access to multiple services. It is time to find placement.
Do your research. Find the best place you can. DO NOT discuss this with her before hand. If you have her POA you can AND SHOULD assure her consistent care.
She may benefit from an antidepressant or anti anxiety medication, consistently administered. Many if not most people of her age have similar symptoms and can be made more comfortable with the use of such medications.
When she has become accustomed to her new surroundings, you may choose to make brief visits at various times of the day. If her company warrants, you may stay a little LONGER, if not you will say “I’m leaving now Mom, I’ll see you a little later in the week”, and leave.
As you know, her accusations have absolutely NO RELATIONSHIP to what is really happening around her. That idea must now become your ongoing guide to providing the very best care for her.
You sound likes great guy, and truthfully, the stress of taking care of her is not good for you. You need to be an active participant in taking care of YOURSELF.
I know of several cases like yours. Obviously $$$ is at play here and Mom still controls that I would bet.
Thia is where an attorney visit a long time ago should have come into play.
I went last year with my Mom, I have control over everything.
But, mine didn’t fight me.
I would place $$$$ on your 103 year old still calls the shots.
The elderly hate giving up control. And yes, the older they get, the more delirium comes around.
Mine asked me today, did I hang clothes up all over her room because there was a ghost last night looking through all those hung up clothes........
Is she on anything to help with her anxiety level, which seems to be pretty high now?
103?? Wow, that's one of the oldest people I've ever heard of!! You can't expect much from someone that age, I guess. Do you think it might be time to put her in a home since she is getting so agitated and argumentative?
See All Answers