My Mom Keeps Calling Me 15 Times a Day — I’m Out of Options

When Caring for a Parent Becomes Overwhelming

Many adult children face the heartbreaking challenge of watching a parent struggle with dementia. One common complaint we hear often is, “My mom keeps calling me 15 times a day, and I just don’t know what to do anymore.” If you’re reaching your breaking point, you’re not alone. When a dementia parent keeps calling constantly, it’s not just tiresome—it’s emotionally draining. It can interfere with your work, rest, and overall well-being. If you feel like you can’t manage your dementia parent at home, there are solutions that provide both compassion and support, for your parent and for you.

Understanding Why Your Dementia Parent Calling Constantly

It might surprise you to learn that constant phone calls from a dementia parent are a common behavior associated with memory disorders like Alzheimer’s. These repeated calls often reflect confusion, fear, or a need for reassurance. When your parent forgets that they just spoke to you, they may call again within minutes thinking it’s the first call of the day. This cycle can happen many times, sometimes escalating throughout the day or night.

Reasons for Repetitive Calling

– Anxiety or insecurity when alone

– Forgetting previous conversations

– Desire for human connection

– Discomfort or unmet needs

It’s not about being difficult—it’s about their brain processing the world differently. However, understanding this is only half the battle. The real challenge is finding ways to manage it while maintaining your own mental health.

What Happens to Family Caregivers Under Stress

If you’re juggling work, relationships, and caregiving responsibilities, you’re likely experiencing emotional fatigue. Stress can build up quickly when your loved one is calling repeatedly, asking the same questions over and over. It’s not unusual for caregivers to experience exhaustion, depression, or even burnout. When you feel like you can’t manage your dementia parent at home anymore, it’s critical to know that support is not a sign of failure—it’s a necessary part of responsible caregiving.

Signs of Caregiver Burnout With Dementia Parent Calling Constantly

– Feeling overwhelmed or helpless

– Sleep disturbances

– Irritability or anger

– Withdrawal from friends or activities

If you see these signs in yourself, it’s time to seek help. Your health and well-being matter just as much as your parent’s.

Practice Coping Strategies at Home

There are some strategies you can try at home to help reduce the constant calls. These won’t always solve the problem entirely, especially in moderate to advanced stages of dementia, but they may ease some of the stress.

Establish a Predictable Routine

A structured daily routine can comfort someone with dementia. Regular meals, scheduled rest times, and consistent activities may help them feel more secure, reducing feelings of anxiety that lead to frequent calling.

Set Up Communication Aids

Tools like memory boards or reminder journals can help your parent keep track of daily events. You can also try leaving notes like, “Your daughter will call at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m.” placed in visible areas near the phone.

Try Limiting Phone Access During Certain Hours

This might seem harsh, but in some cases, it’s practical. Having quiet hours, especially during work or late at night, can help you maintain your focus and rest. Explain this gently to your parent and let them know when you’ll be available again.

Use Technology to Stay Connected

Video calling apps and smart home devices can allow you to check in more efficiently. Sometimes just seeing your face can relieve your parent’s anxiety in minutes. Scheduling regular calls may help limit how often they feel the need to reach out on their own.

Work With a Home Care Professional

Hiring part-time in-home help can offer a short-term break for you and ensure your parent has companionship. Even a few hours a week can make a major difference in their emotional comfort—and your peace of mind.

When Home Care Is No Longer Enough

There comes a time in many caregiving journeys when home care is no longer a safe or manageable option. If you find yourself saying, “I can’t manage my dementia parent at home,” you’re acknowledging a vital truth—your parent may now need specialized care that you alone cannot provide.

This is where Great Lakes Senior Living can help. With Diamond Accredited communities located in Beloit, Milton, and Waterford, Wisconsin, Great Lakes Senior Living provides person-centered memory care services tailored to individuals facing cognitive challenges.

Specialized Memory Care with Great Lakes Senior Living If Dementia Parent Calling Constantly

At Great Lakes Senior Living, staff are trained to offer compassionate care to residents living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related conditions. The environment is designed to reduce confusion and enhance safety, while also providing stimulating, thoughtful activities that help residents stay engaged and nurtured.

Each of the three Great Lakes Senior Living communities—Beloit Senior Living & The Gardens, Milton Senior Living, and Waterford Senior Living & Memory Care—offers warm, comfortable surroundings where residents can feel at home. The dedicated memory care facility at the Waterford location specializes in supporting the unique needs of individuals living with dementia.

Key Benefits of Choosing Memory Care

– 24/7 access to trained caregivers familiar with dementia behaviors

– Safety measures to prevent wandering or injury

– Engaging daily activities to support cognitive and emotional well-being

– Personalized care plans that respect each resident’s history and preferences

– Medication management from licensed professionals

– Enhanced security features for peace of mind

Choosing memory care is not about giving up—it’s about ensuring your loved one gets the best support in an environment built specifically for their needs.

Reclaiming Your Peace Without Guilt

Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t make you a bad son or daughter—it makes you human. Families often reach a point where the burden of managing care at home becomes too heavy to carry alone. Accepting help through reputable care options like Great Lakes Senior Living means your parent will still receive loving attention in a place that prioritizes dignity, health, and emotional support.

Memory care not only supports the person with dementia, but also gives you—as a child, spouse, or caregiver—the chance to breathe again. You can return to being their daughter or son, not just their nurse or caretaker. That shift can restore your relationship, reduce the stress of constant phone calls, and enable more rewarding, joyful visits.

It’s common to struggle with guilt when considering placing a loved one in memory care, but it’s important to reframe that perspective. Supporting your parent through specialized care like what Great Lakes Senior Living offers shows how deeply you care about their happiness, safety, and quality of life.

How to Begin the Transition

If you’re considering transitioning your parent into assisted living or memory care, it’s important to plan it thoughtfully. The care teams at Great Lakes Senior Living are available to help you through every step of the process. From initial consultations to customized care plans, they ensure a smooth and respectful journey into senior living.

You can schedule a tour at one of Great Lakes Senior Living’s locations in Beloit, Milton, or Waterford to see the community up close. During your visit, you’ll meet friendly professionals who understand firsthand the challenges of memory care. They’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you determine whether assisted living or memory care is the right choice for your parent.

What to Ask During a Tour

– What memory care programs are available?

– How is the care staff trained in handling dementia behaviors?

– Are daily routines personalized for each resident?

– What steps are taken to ensure safety and engagement?

– How is family communication handled?

– Are there opportunities for residents to socialize and enjoy activities?

These questions will help ensure that the senior living community aligns with your parent’s needs and your expectations. Great Lakes Senior Living encourages open communication and offers transparency throughout the decision-making process.

Your Next Steps Toward Peace of Mind With Dementia Parent Calling Constantly

When you’re drowning in phone calls, sleepless nights, and constant stress, the thought of reaching out for help can feel like giving up. But it’s the opposite. Choosing a care community like Great Lakes Senior Living is one of the most loving and wise decisions you can make for your parent and yourself.

It provides your parent with consistent, compassionate, professional care in a safe and active environment. And it allows you to reclaim your sense of self while staying connected in a healthier, more balanced relationship with your loved one.

If your dementia parent is calling constantly and you feel like you can’t manage dementia parent at home, don’t wait until burnout takes over. Contact Great Lakes Senior Living today and discover how their caring team can help guide you to a brighter, more sustainable future—for both you and your loved one.