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Shanna ParrishTaylor
Shanna Parrish-Taylor is the Director of Nursing at Vintage Place Assisted Living. She is a RN with 9 years long term care experience, experience in critical care as well as hospice setting. Shanna is currently working on her master’s degree towards obtaining her ANRP. For more information on Shanna or Vintage Place please call 620-231-4554.
Senior Living
2012-06-01 11:16:50
Dealing with a difficult loved one
A: Rest assured, the staff deals with difficult situations on a daily basis. They will not take your mother’s attitude personally and understand that a number of things play a role in these situations. First, realize that your mother is not at her best. Physical, mental, and emotional changes cause some of the behaviors. When you are ill, you might tend to have a shorter temper. Noises may bother you and you are more likely to react to small annoyances. The same is true as we age. We are more tired and just do not feel as well as we once did, so we tend to react strongly. You mentioned that your mom is more confused. That is a part of the aging process, but do not assume it cannot be treated. Talk to your mother’s physician and inform him of her moodiness and confusion. There may be something to treat or ease some of the symptoms. A good medical evaluation can spot problems that may be contributing to her behavior. Finally, I suggest you do what you can to take care of you. Find a support group, enlist help from family, and take time away from the situation to recharge. Do not feel guilty that her behavior has an affect on you; it is a difficult situation and would cause anyone frustration. While talking to your mom or expressing your displeasure is not likely to be very helpful, do not minimize how you feel or become isolated in the situation. Take time to enjoy your life outside of your mom and bring a renewed energy to her care when you visit.
 
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