Are there any caregivers in the crowd?

I know OF one. What did you need help with?

I was a caregiver, what's up?

Mental. I've been caring for mom for 6 years almost,by myself, I'm doing a crash and burn.

I was a caregiver too for 7 yrs....

I took care of my Mom for 8 & a half months while she was in last stage colon cancer...I do understand the "crash & burn" feeling...do you have anyone to give you respite?

Hi ,your a delight on a dim morning. I've got Hospice coming but we're not in critical care as of yet.A nurse comes as called and on routine,once or twice a week. I do have a personel attendent who washes mom,as there are certain places I have not been in 51 years. If I had made better choices ,I suppose I would have a loving wife by my side or maybe not. I'm not going to quit on human life.I'm an only child but this is about as"only"as I have ever been. Thanks to one and all for kind of circling the band wagons.I wasn't sure of the responce. Alexis

The Hospice people can be wonderful! Sometimes, when they'd stop over, they'd give me some time to go down to the pool where I swam lap after lap until I was worn out & crying...that "alone" time can be very rejuvenating...even when you're already tired out...!

I know it can be hard sometimes...& it's different for everyone...but for me, when I would feel alone & hopeless, my mantra was "It's an honor to care for my Mother"...somehow, that helped me to carry on. I wish you much strength for this part of your Journey...you are blessed for caring for your Mom...

Is she capable of going to an adult daycare for a short while so you can have a break?

There are support groups for caregivers.

I have been the caregiver for my mom for some time. she passed in April at 79. I now care for my dad daily and work nights. He is 80.
It is no easy task, very few rewards. But it is what I do because they were able to give soooo much to me in my life. Morals, wisdom, encouragement, hope, knowledge....the list goes on and on.
You are doing a great and wonderful thing. DONT EVER forget that.
Home Hospice can assist you in getting some time away if you have a good one near you. They have provided help a couple days a week in my case which has provided a much needed stress relief.
Check into any home health care connected to Provenia. They have been fabulious help to us and provide great care on a caring and professional level.
Medicare covered our costs in this.
Do be careful though, unfortunately as in anything, there are some not so caring home health orgs. out there.
I wish you the best and offer my spiritual support, as I know how difficult the task can be.

Thank you,your mantra will be my thought of the day,Alexis

All of you,I wish to express my most sincere thanks, it's reassuring to experience human compassion. Alexis

I take care of my bed ridden sister...and her family

I took care of my husband, dad and then mom as they were all ill and passed. Some of us know all too well about this burn out. Caregiving is exhausting both mentally and physically. Come here and talk when you need to.

I am just now starting this journey with my Mom....It is going to change my life, my plans, and my own journey....It is going to be my honor, but it is going to be a very sad and changing time. It is so hard and sad to face an uncertain future. Sometimes my heart feels

I think we started a good site.When in this sort of situation,you become socially inept, separated from our social instincts."No man is an island within himself".I look forward to grocery shopping,all the pretty females take the edge off, frozen food isle is the greatest.I guess you can tell I'm dealing better now, thanks to you good people and our interaction.You are my new friends. Alexis

You KNOW that I am on this Journey with you, Sweetheart...

I believe one term for this is "compassion fatigue". When you are so tired, worn down and your heart still feels like going but your body is so tired, as is your brain, that you just sometimes need a break. Remember, you can not give them your best if you are not at your best. I know that no one can take care of your loved one(s) the way you can, but please remember to take care of you!

seems to be my lot in life a caregiver,my gr.grams before she went to a nursing home.both my parents r in seperate nursing homes.and i am looking to help my cousin with her mom with on coming alzheimers,my dad has it and my maternal grandma died from it.u have to take a break when u can and look around and see where u can get help.i worked in a nursing home as well.find an outlet for urself.i do my poetry and some sites.kinda of hard to have a relationship right now.but find someone u can lean on when you need it.