Mom is Always Negative

by Kathy
(Frisco, TX)

My mom is 88 and had back surgery in March 2010. The surgery went o.k., but afterwards she got a colon infection, and became very ill. After a couple different hospital stays, it was determined she was not going to make it and was put on Hospice care and moved to a skilled nursing facility.

After several months she started getting better, and as of May of 2011 she is living in an assisted living facility. My problem is she does not remember how sick she was, and will not believe the things we tell her. She has always been a complainer, but now is much worse. When I go visit her, she complains constantly, and it's really wearing me down. No matter what I do for her it's never enough.

As I write this I'm feeling so guilty, because I really lost it with her today. How do you cope with negativity all the time? I am trying to take care of my home and family, all of her business, problems, appointments, etc. and all she does is complain. It's getting harder and harder. I have one brother who lives 1200 miles away, so I'm her only caregiver. Thanks for listening. :-)