need suggestions on coping with outbursts

Jeannie..when someone is old and sick as your mother... and when they have begun a considerable deterioration towards the end of life, there are stages that they go through. Elizabeth Kubler Ross says the first two stages in this order are "denial" and "anger"... then it moves into I believe discussion and acceptance...so this may be what your mom is experiencing.. there can be such a sense of hopelessness as they first begin getting their diagnosis's which aren't promising.

Again, check with this wonderful social worker once again.. maybe she can meet with your mother privately to help her to express herself and discuss the feelings she might be having.. and then again, you, the kids, hubby and mom may need to sit and have a non attacking loving meeting of communication with her to share and show your compassion and empathy for what she might be experiencing...

I also think you might have mentioned she ws also diagnosed recently with Alzheimer's so you might want to check and see if it is a reaction to meds or if she is needing meds and if this indeed is a symptom of her illness.. hope this helps
Gail

Just a quick update.Things have been happening so quick i'm not sure where to start,but she is learning to channel this anger better using it to fight this thing rather than lash out at us. At the same time we are learning to ignore more of her outbursts. Her wheelchair and vibrating vest should get here soon so that too will help a lotby giving her a little moe freedom.Boy this is sure a roller coaster ride for both her and us but we will get thru this. Thanks for your love and support. I will keep you updated . Thanks again Jeannie

Hello Jeanette..

glad to hear your mother is able to structure her anger into a positive mode... unfortunately, as you truly know, so much of caregiving is an up and down roller coaster.. however it helps to keep ourselves calm and balanced so we, ourselves can cope better with it all... please keep us posted.. blessings..take care

Gail