Over the past six months, my 75-year-old mother has recently begun yelling at me, and we often get into verbal fights. What’s the problem?
Seek the help of a health care professional, as her new behaviour could be a sign of early dementia or some other underlying medical condition.
As her caregiver, remember that her attacks are not personally directed at you; they simply show the frustration that she feels. Try to avoid situations where emotions can become escalated, and encourage your mother to see her doctor to determine the underlying cause of her agitation.
Caregiving can sometimes cause high levels of anxiety and stress, which can impact on your relationship with your mother. If you are starting to feel the strain of being a caregiver, take time for yourself.