Follow
Share

I have a brother who has MS. He was diagnosed when he was 27 he is now 47. He had lived with my parents most of that time until a year ago and then he got to much for my parents to take care of him so I am now his caregiver. He lives with my family and I. I work in home as a child care provider and take care of him. The care part isn't to bad. Its his mouth, his rudeness, his disrespect, & I don't have to, I don't want to, that is the problem. His memory is pretty much gone as far as short term but most anything that happen years ago like before MS he can remember except he think he should never have to go to the bathroom. So when ask to go its a BIG HUGH battle. How do I deal with all of his rudeness, disrespect and arguing over going to the bathroom? I am so stressed over this!

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
Later stages of MS really need 24/7 care. Talk to his MD about an appropriate placement for him.
Helpful Answer (6)
Report

It doesn't seem to me wise to do childcare around someone who is a poor behavioral model for impressionable children. Of course this is not him, it's the disease, but yes, it's time for him to have professional care. So sorry that your family is coping with this stressful illness.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Take a deep breath, count to ten and ignore the outburst. Recall, it's the disease and not the person.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

First and most I want to applaud for your kindness. It takes huge heart to take older brother with disability to your home and care for him.
Yes, often we have a big surprise to learn that caring for somebody might be different than what you used to. You thought carrier in childcare will help you to handle your brother who obviously needs help 24/7.
Unfortunately there is nothing you can change in your brother's behavior now. But you can change yourself and the way you see his straggle.
I suspect that the reason he became so handful for your parents is simple. They were providing him with utmost love for years, mostly feeling guilty (as often parents of disable children do!). Since your brother grew in that atmosphere, he became a victim himself of that "unconditional love" when parents, instead of disciplining him and treating him as normal as possible, did let him get away with any behavior out of pity, which later on turned around and hurt them... and now you are picking up those fruits of your parent's love. It's hard for everybody. Indeed, I think you might posses all your most wonderful qualities and patience because you grew up in the same house (or close to it) and watched your parents being so wonderful, caring, compassionate and loving.
The other reason for your brother's madness is a progression of the disease. He is not able to control himself and you can't expect him to do it. If he has any cognitive decline, you should learn how to "redirect" his anger, rather than reason and fight with him. Or, maybe even to redirect yourself. Yes, he is not a child in your care who has to obey, and comply, and listen to what you said. He is a grown up man who is imprisoned in his crippled body and has no escape. He needs love, the unconditioned one and forgiveness....
It might also help if you do not continue to treat him as a disable one, but remind him you rely on his help too. Make posters and notes around for him to read if he has a short term memory problems. Keep him as busy as you can. You can do it! Because you are wonderful....
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

You have a good heart to take in your disabled brother. I'm sure your parents aged and that is why they were no longer able to care for him but passing your brother along from one family member to another doesn't make it any easier to care for him. And we can sit around all day and analyze his behavior but I'm going to agree with everyone about placing your brother in a facility that can better care for him. Since he was diagnosed 20 years ago your family had to have considered that he would need 24/7 professional care at some point. I think you're at the point.

You must have a very big heart because you care for children in addition to caring for your brother. However, I wouldn't want my child in a daycare with an person who had been ravaged by MS and who is angry, rude, incontinent, and whose caregiver has to split her focus between him and my child. I don't know how you do it everyday, it must be exhausting.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

I have to agree with the others. If I had a child in your care and learned that there was someone like your brother not only in your house but splitting your attention from the children you are paid to care for, I would pull them out so fast it would make your head spin.
While it is admirable that you have stepped up for your parents, it isn't fair to you, your family, or the people who trust you with their children. And it isn't fair to your brother either. He needs more than you can provide.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Just want to say my heart goes out to you. No one should have to be exposed to such rudeness, least of all someone who is providing care. I have felt that pain and it's hard to handle.

Find ways to take good care of yourself. When ever possible surround yourself with love and step away from nastiness. My heart goes out to you.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

I will say something that I think others probably thought but it is a tough one. Yes, she is remarkable like most all caregivers all. Don't all of us take on the sometimes impossible situations, because we have a heart, we have compassion. Have you ever noticed that caregivers do not get noticed because they are rude, they get fired. It is the disease, and I would say, what an education for my youngster if being watched by you. Wouldn't it be an education, and not a scare for our younger people of the world to see these people in this world as human with a disability. I agree that if the kids are young young, they might not understand, but what a lesson in humanity to show that all older people are not equal and some need assistance. Just a way to think of it differently. Now, my advice, your brother needs more care than is fair for you to give. Find a 24/7 assisted living facility. Best of all luck.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter