I don't know how old your mom is but honestly I think first she needs a medical evaluation. Does she have a history of depression or is this recent? Is the behavior recent as well? If she refuses to go to a doctor, go yourself just to get some insight on what can be done. Does she seem agoraphobic, not wanting to leave the house, or do you think it's depression? As far as what you can do, maybe set one day a week where you and her go somewhere special: antiquing, yard sales, the library or bookstore, etc. Tell her how excited you are to go and you would love to have her be your company. If you push too hard, she'll push back. But if you make it sound like YOU need the company, she may go for it. It's worth a shot. I hope whatever happens works out and your mom gets whatever help she needs.

She is going to the doctor for her check up in two weeks. She is fine to leave the house, she even wants to go to the places she is taken too, but she tends to start fussing or get mad at the strangest things. She is always wanting to go, then says she is never going anywhere again. I talked to her doctor about her being so nervous and she is going to check that when she gets to the office. Her mood swings are sometimes worrisome. I will be with her at the doctors. So hopefully they can figure it out.

OK that's good to hear. I hope you get answers. Maybe its some sort of anxiety she is experiencing when she finally gets there. Bring that up as a possibility with the doc.

Thank you so much for you help.

I agree with soul, it sounds like anxiety is a possibility and you should ask the doc about that. Also, I'd like to mention that when my father got older, his late 70s, he suffered from clinical depression. He didn't really want to go anywhere, just wanted to stay home even though I knew he had interests beyond. I didn't fully understand until once my then husband, and I, took my parents out to dinner for their anniversary and dad was so nervous once he started to eat, that he couldn't enjoy his meal. His hand would even shake when he would lift a utensil, and it was written all over his face that he was absolutely and miserably self-conscious. So I wonder whether that can be an issue, too, as some people age, that even though they are interested in the outside world, they become very unsure of themselves and frustrated and self-conscious, and that takes the fun out of venturing beyond home.

My mom is about 80 so that might be the case. I will tell the doctor about that. She has had a stoke and sometimes has weakness when walking so we bring a wheelchair just in case. But she can not walk to far without it.

Well here is something from my perspective and I will soon be 70. I use to like to go out to eat once in awhile but since I have lost most of my teeth and the dentures that I do have don't fit, I can't eat (chew) well anymore, so it takes the pleasure out of going out to eat. If the café is very busy the noise bothers me ( it never use to), not sure why but it does. The music and people talking so loud is like over stimulation to my senses. Sometimes the waitress is rude and the prices are too high for my budget. I finally said I wasn't going out anymore. Then what happens is the kids talk it all over behind my back and decide that I must be depresses and I need medicine, which this makes me angry at them and their ignorance. Above post by Jeanarose was close but in my opinion family and drs are too damn quick to want to "fix" things with pills when really all they need to do is let an old person get old without hasseling them, if an old person wants helps and asks for help that's one thing ...lordy I could write a damn book on aging. Just my perspective ok.

You are right about over medicating Tova96. One of the things that my mom has been working towards is less medication. She has lowered her diabetic medication in half by watching her carbs (she loves potatoes). She still has them, but we cut back some on the portions. Plus her doctor thinks that she may be able to cut back on some of her other medications soon.

I am with you on people taking things that they do not need. My mom already takes a nerve medication and it seems to not work that well anymore, so the doctor just wants to see if something else works better.

I thank you so much for speaking out on behalf of my mom, sometimes parents are not looked out for like they should and I am glad that you spoke out when you felt you needed to.

YOU are an awesome daughter! Your Mom is so blessed to have you! You have been such a faithful companion and have brought much joy to her in exposing her to favorite things and fun trips. I have cared for two aging parents and have been around a lot of elderly. Mood swings are pretty normal, irritation is normal, even getting hyper focused is pretty normal. It is hard getting old. You know you cannot do the same things you used to. You want your body to be responsive to what you want and it does not always cooperate. You start to have a new appreciation of each day you are given. There is fear and there is sadness. You can't imagine not being around for your family. You can't really articulate these things because if you keep it quiet, maybe you can avoid acknowledging it for just one more day. It is hard.
As a daughter, you are giving of yourself and giving big doses of LOVE! That is the best medicine she can receive! Do not feel like you have to fix her mood or make her feel better. Just meet her where she is, keep offering love and know that it will pass. Let her know that you need her as this makes her feel valued. Ask her for her opinion on things. Lastly, take it fifteen minutes at a time and be gentle with yourself. She knows you love her and she is greatly comforted by your time and attention, of this I am absolutely sure!!! God is leading you and it is clear you are obeying! Blessings and hugs!