Hi, I'm new to this forum and caregiver forums in general. I desperately need support but where do I find the time? I have 3 adult disabled children (autism, IDD, CP, Bipolar etc.) I have been caring for them alone until 4 years ago when I moved to WI because there was no help in Illinois. When I enrolled in family care I was told I could be paid for being their caretaker but when I told them I was disabled they said how could I care for them with all my disabilities? Well I have no choice. We do have a caregiver who is fabulous but only come 17 hours a week. We have an average of 5 dr appointments or tests a week and Medicaid transportation needs 2 weeks notice and only shows up half the time. I've also been caring for my mom (Altheimer's) until she died last month but who has time to grieve I need to settle her complicated estate. I haven't slept more than 3 hours a night in 6 weeks, I cannot eat solid food due to gstroparesis and my medical supplier has stopped sending my Ensure.
I'm too tired to cry. I have been searching for help online and there is a lot for caregivers but I can't find anything for caregiver who are disabled. I'm sorry to just dump all this but my friends are supportive but live far away. Thank you for letting me vent, I've been awake for 2 days and have so much to do, my daughter will be awake in 10 minutes and I need to get her ready for the dy but I'm not sure I have the energy to stand up. I apologize if I've violated any rules in posting here, thanks for listening.
Sleepy Sheryl
PS Looking for a silver lining it is 28 degrees and no snow till evening so at least we wont freeze!