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Respite/Family conflicts

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My sister, who lives nearby, and I take care of my Dad who lives in our home. We gave him our first floor bedroom (in wheelchair 95% of the time) and we moved upstairs. She's over here a lot, to relieve me mostly midday and evenings if my husband and I go out. I have asked her NOT to go upstairs as that is OUR space, since the first floor has been invaded by my dad's stuff, nurse's visits, PT, etc. We very much need a space that is Dad-free and where we can go to unwind. My hubby and I want to go away and my sis has agreed to stay here as she has done before and those shorter times she slept on the first floor living room couch. Now she says she wants to sleep upstairs in the spare bedroom next to my office with all my stuff in it, and my bathroom is off the spare bedroom, with all my stuff. I feel this is an invasion of my privacy (and I hate myself for not feeling more open) but she feels she'll be too uncomfortable on the couch for 10 days. Am I wrong not to let her stay upstairs? Alternatives would be for her to go home at night after she's put him to bed (he never needs help during the night); hire a caregiver (she says why do that and spend the money when she can do it); just say no and have her sleep on the couch, unhappily. Best scenario would be to get a single bed and set it up in living room of first floor (problem is storage of it when not in use). Any thoughts or ideas? I told her I would think about it but I really don't want her upstairs. Thanks. Sasha


 
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Hi I understand you delemia. Why not get a folding bed that can be put away during the day. Also a thought, my mom said she didn't need us for afterall she was in Assisted Living, but she did spend a nite on the floor and I was the one who found her and get her help. There will be a time when your dad needs you day & nite. Why not let your sister figure out where she sleeps she is an adult after all except for your private floor which I know is a necessaity. Whether or not there is anything private she has no need to invade your space.


 
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Thanks so much! I never thought of a folding bed and it's a brilliant idea. Will fit into a closet and can take out as necessary. You are so right in that one day my Dad may very well need round the clock care so it would be a good investment now to have a decent bed for whoever stays overnight with him. I managed to convey to my sister her need for a more comfy place to sleep and the idea of a folding cot and she was happy with that idea (and I didn't have to be negative and say "no way are you sleeping upstairs!"), so many thanks! Sasha


 
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You are very welcome.


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