My siblings and my mom's friends do not see my mom's symptoms as much as I do because they see her socially and speak to her on the phone where she focuses and appears more herself. I have invited them to the doctor and the Alzheimer's association to be educated on the disease but they believe they don't need that and I am the one with the problem. I am getting full support from the Alzheimer's association and doctors because they understand the disease and the doctors have seen more of what… read more
I am at this stage with my dad but the cracks are starting to show a bit with his closest mates. I think some of dads family think I blow it out of proportion, and dad makes sure he is on his best behaviour with them. The alzeheimers people are great and said that some people who haven't been through it generally just think with alzeheimers you go a bit daft and forget things. Secondly I found loads of people don't want to deal with the alzeheimers prognosis. Most importantly you have to remember, alzeheimers patients put on the facade with family and friends and can keep it up (it gets harder and harder as it's goes along) then when they get home it call comes out- which is what we see all the time. Stick to your guns, you know what you see- and don't doubt yourself oxoxox
Sorry the wider family are not aware of your Mum's real situation, but I think that is within the bands of normal. Alzheimer's can be quite well masked to the outside world and it is only when you are in everyday contact that you realise the changes. They will come round in time but meantime take care of yourself too.
I am in the same situation and it is so frustrating. It makes it so much worse, especially because my Mom tends to blame me for everything. "Taking her car away, taking her money away"...all the things that she is no longer able to do or handle on her own...I get the blame. Even though I do have a brother who is very much involved and he knows and sees how badly our Mom has progressed. However, the small few that Mom does associate with aren't very helpful and everyone has their own opinion on how we (ME) should be doing things or handling things and yet, no one wants to really step up and help. It's just such a sad and horrible disease and when you do not have supportive people who surround you or your loved one, it makes it so much more harder and more stressful. Good luck...I feel your frustration and pain and know that you are not the only one going through those difficult moments!!
I remember going through the same issue with my mum! She was so socially gracious, that people would tell me she was fine! Siblings are often in denial, mine were until we discovered poor Mum had used a huge pair of kitchen scissors to cut off her clothes to change into her pyjamas, she had thrown the cut up clothing into the bathtub, she had her pyjama top on as pants and was struggling to walk with her legs in the sleeves, terrible falling hazard! We finally had to get someone in for dressing and bathing, she never wanted us to do it. sending hugs,
People have no idea what a carer has to face unless they get involved and spend days not day with them.
Its very hard for you, dont try to explain let them if they wish to give you a little time for yourself.