Mother

You have my sympathy BraveBeth it is so difficult, caring for a family member is not always easy.
Are you able to take a break from caring and at least get out of the house for a while on your own.
Is it possible to talk to your cousins about what is happening so they know your Mum is being unreasonable.

This is par for the course I'm afraid with many elderly people so do take care of yourself and have a break when you can
Good luck.

At 98 I am afraid that some poor people lose the bits of brain that control their emotions, so they can get pretty ratty. What a burden for you.

I am not surprised you feel drained - get some help in, so you can get a break. She will of course object to that but, as my DD says to me, "You can't pour from an empty jug." So you need to look after yourself.

If your Mum has sufficient funds that she has to pay for any care that goes in, the LA can put a legal charge on her property and recoup the money at a later stage.

You are entitled to a Carers' Assessment from social services - demand one!!

What an exhausting life for you.

I don't have any answers for you, but my sympathies. It is so difficult caring for someone so elderly and demanding.

from me! It's so much easier being a carer for someone you're not related to. Try not to take things too personally (although that's easier said than done.)
Any chance of other family members giving you some respite?