I have an 82 yr old mother that I caretake for. I have been taking care of her my whole life. She was a battered woman (but has been safe for the past 30 yrs), and has both borderline and narcissistic personality traits. She can be quite mean at times. I usually phone her every morning (just to make sure she's alive) and pop in every afternoon to clean up, do laundry, bring groceries...whatever. I also take her to all medical appointments and handle her finances.

picture painted.

Well, I have told her a few times since April that I was on the waiting list for this residential program. Last night I told her that it came up and that I would be gone for 2 weeks. So, this morning, it starts. She called, bawling on the phone about needing a professional to come in and do the carpets today. (the carpets are fine). I was firm. "Mom, you know I have an appointment in the city, I cannot get a carpet cleaner in today". Then she went into her "I'm old and all alone" rampage. I know that she is going to act out all weekend. I also know that once I get into residential it will be one emergency after another. If she can manage it she will even fall and need to go to the ER, multiple times. She will do everything in her power to get me back here. I have put my siblings on notice, but it's going to hell with her calling every day, I can just tell.