I'm a caregiver to my mom. I'm exhausted. I feel like a doormat -she's getting grouchy. Does anyone know how I can find help for me?

So sorry about the yelling. My mom doesn't live with me, thank Goodness! Because when she gets mean, she doesn't yell, she just says cutting, hurtful things. She may as well yell, for the hurt it causes.

She needs to know, just like your kids, that she cannot act that way and get away with it. Her behavior upsets you and we all know that mom's happiness sets the tone for the whole house (yes that is sexist, but IMHO it's true).

Her being allowed to live with you is a privilege and perhaps she needs to be reminded of this.

I had to 'kick out' a 20 yo daughter who simply could not comply with house rules. She left kind of angry, but felt she could say/do anything and I could just deal with it. Sorry, nope, my house, my rules no matter your age.

It may be time to move mom to assisted living---your mental health is taking a beating and there's no need for that. Having her assessed and making that tough decision will be hard--but you need to put you first.

Depending on her age, your Mom maybe showing early signs of a Dementia. She needs a good check up to see if anything physical is going on. Diabetes can cause this problem. As can low Potassium and thyroid. Labs will help to find out how her levels are. If nothing shows up, then maybe a neurological check up. This will help in determining if she has had a small stroke.

If its found Mom has Dementia you may want to start considering an AL if she can afford it. Maybe an Adult Daycare to give you and her some breathing room. May have to put them on hold for now though.

Geaton's questions and suggestions are right on. Her change in behavior, forgetfulness, meanness, anger could signify a medical condition. Have her PCP screen her for dementia and other possible medical issues.

Call your local Area Agency on Aging and explain your concerns. They may offer some help.

It would be helpful to have a little more information, like: how old is your mom? Does she have a formal diagnosis of dementia or memory loss? Are you her durable PoA?

You certainly have plenty of company in this situation on this forum. Your husband and minor children (if you have any) are the first priority. You cannot and must not put your mom ahead of them no matter what. You yourself have acknowledged that your marriage has already suffered. The caregiving arrangement only works if it works for both the receiver and giver. It is not working for you. Do you think your mom would want your marriage to fall apart for her sake?

The logical solution is to transition her out of your home and into a care community. She will have a lot of people with which to chat and socialize. They will have activities and field trips and events. And you can go see her as often as you want and the visits will probably be less stressful. I say probably because as dementia advances, personality changes occur that are often negative, but can possibly be helped with medication. None of this will feel good as you're implementing it. It will feel wrenching for a while. You are not abandoning her. When you see the sky doesn't fall and your marriage improves and she is well cared for you will be able to gain peace.