I'm 54, single, and live with my two daughters, 22 and 15; my grandchildren, 5 and 2 (one on the way) and elderly mother, 83. I asked my mom to move in 5 years ago because she couldn't live on her own. Then, in 2014, my grandson had a near drowning and now has an anoxic brain injury. He can't walk, talk, or eat and i am his primary caregiver. My mom, recently hospitalized, can't walk anymore and cries constantly in pain. I am her primary caregiver as well. I am physically and emotionally burning out and financially, we now need so many things. We need a wheelchair van, first floor bedroomas and bathrooms...I did not realize how much was going to be involved with the both of them. The girls help, but one is in school, the other chases the toddler, and I am the only driver. I am at the point of wanting to just go away for a month to the beach all alone, but that is simply impossible. I keep looking for resources like stem for his tbi and run therapies to get him better...I don't know, there is just so much I don't even know where to begin.
I am 69 years old, recently retired and caregivere for my spouse who has colorectal cancer and will depend on TPN for the rest of his life. He will come home from a long hospital/rehab stay next week and it looks like caring for him will be a full time job. In addition there is his 93 year old father and developmentally delayed sister who live nearby. No other family in town. I need support and hints about how to manage this and not loose myself. I am a retired social worker, good at giving others answers but not so good at managing myself.
Wow, you really are in a difficult situation. Is nursing home for any of them an option? I can't imagine you taking care of three adults on your own. My grandson is not really difficult to care for except the physical demand of lifting and getting in and out of the car. His appointments keep me busy and with him, it's more of an emotionalhardship. My mom, well, I can't stand to hear her cry 24/7. Plus, now that she can't walk, she uses a potty chair and I cannot do that without throwing up every time. I am not cut out for that. But she has all her faculties and I know if she went to a home, I would never get over to see her. She is afraid and afraid to be alone. I can't get her in the car either. I don't know what kind of care you have to do, but you have to get help or just say no to somebody. I will say my prayers for you.
Hi Tracy, I wasn't a member of this community, but I created an account so I could share this story with you in case you hadn't seen it yet. I hope that this therapy might be able to help your grandson. Hugs!
http://www.azfamily.com/story/35950084/toddlers-brain-damage-reversed-by-oxygen-treatment-after-nearly-drowning-doctors-claim