@Dee dee Lee ty, I have faith in you!

@Lisa Balthaser ty! appreciate your feedback

@Candy McKinney Thank you for sharing this. What you're describing adds another layer of complexity to caregiving because you're not only navigating the changes dementia may be bringing, you are also navigating longstanding patterns in your relationship with your mother. I think it's important to acknowledge that distinction. Dementia can affect inhibition, judgment, emotional regulation, flexibility, and the ability to recognize another person's perspective. But that doesn't mean every difficult behavior began with dementia, nor does it mean you are required to tolerate verbal abuse because your mother now has dementia. You may not be able to change her need for control or convince her that your boundaries are reasonable. The part you can control is how much information you share, which conversations you're willing to participate in, and when you choose to disengage. Sometimes a simple, neutral response such as, "That's something we're keeping private," or "I hear that you feel strongly about that," followed by changing the subject or ending the interaction may be more effective than explaining or defending your decision. The goal isn't to get her agreement. It's to protect the boundary without creating another argument to win. And I really want to acknowledge what you said about these interactions bringing you back to painful experiences from childhood. That matters. Caregiving doesn't erase the history between two people. Sometimes it brings that history right back into the room loud and clear. Perhaps the question isn't only, "How do I manage Mom's behavior?" It may also be, "What boundaries do I need so that I can care for her without repeatedly sacrificing myself in the process?" Thank you for trusting us with this part of your story.

Welcome, Jennifer. I’m so glad you found us. And yes, even when you’re no longer responsible for the day-to-day caregiving, the interactions themselves can still be exhausting. Answering the same question again and again requires a kind of patience that can wear pretty thin, especially when you’re trying to simply enjoy some time with your dad. I also really appreciate the way you said you’re now “managing our interactions.” That’s such an important shift. Sometimes the question becomes less about how to stop the repetition and more about how to make those moments a little easier for both of you. You’re definitely among people here who understand that. I hope you’ll share what you’re experiencing, ask questions, and maybe even find a few things that help you have a little more room to simply be his daughter.

@Lisa Balthaser ty so much for the feedback. I appreciate you reaching out😊. Glad to hear they're helpful

@Donna Descoteaux thank you, appreciate the support