I won't go on forever explaining my situation. Here is a brief description. I moved to Florida around 4 years ago. It started with a visit to care for my mother while my father was in the hospital. This was suppose to be only for a few weeks at most. Well one thing led to another and my father's illness only got worse and he passed on Easter Sunday of 2007. He never became well again and suffered a prolonged period before passing. I was the only family member that did the caregiving. My mother is in the later stages of Alzhiemers and I am finding myself being dragged into a state of depression. I have always come through adversety in life but this is taking me down both physically and emotionally. I get help with bathing but I do everything else myself. I guess my reason for writing this is that I need help finding a support group and other ways of coping with this situation. From the posts I have already read I am having much of the same feelings as some of the other caregivers out there. Anger, short temper, anxiety, fear, and most of all I feel as though I am loosing it. I live in the Sorrento, Florida area and need to find a support group to maybe just vent a little. Thanks to anyone that replies.
Dave
Dear Thinker I will like to say I know what you are going through.I'm going through the same thing but I have siblings that can help and they don't . That is going to change soon I'm going to sit them down and tell them hey this is your mom too . I have had my mom live with me for the winter and my bothers will have to do the summer part. Cuz I need that break. I don't know if you have any siblings but i think its probably time for you get her in assist living. yeah it maybe the hardest thing to do but if you are sick you can't take care of her. YOu need to take care of yourself too.Maybe get her in a daycare for two weeks or so to get your bearings together for your health. It just a suggestion. Hope this help I'm here if you want to talk more. Keep you chin up.
NTF
Thanks NTF. Yes, I have 2 brothers and 1 sister and none of them have lifted a finger to help with both my parents. Its always an excuse why they cannot help. We all were very close at one time but I have lost respect for them over the years over this issue. Ya I went the route of the Pow-Wow and thought things were going to get better but it was all lip service from each of them. Assisted living is out of the question. Have you been to a nursing home lately? My father died a horrible lonely death alone because once the State takes all your money only the most basic treatment is provided. As long as I breath my mother will not see the inside of one of these death houses. With the help of God, I will get through this. I truly believe that there is a reason why I was chosen for this endeavor. Just venting a little helps and knowing that my feelings are not unique to me is a relief also. Thanks for your suggestions and I hope to talk to you soon.
TheThinker
Hi Dave,
NTF had some really good suggestions. If you check with the elder resource department of your state, you should be able to find direction as to who to start checking with. You could bring in a part-time caregiver in your home, you could place her in assisted living -- I think there are lots of options open to you, but you aren't fully aware of them. :)
Good luck and check our Local link (upper left hand side of the screen) to find specifics on facilities near you.
Laura
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