New here and looking for encouragement and help. I have been working for a 94 yr old woman for the last 10yrs. Just recently she was moved to indipendent assistant living. I just realized today that I am her primary caregiver as her children do not live near her and very rarely come to see her. The demands are getting greater and greater by the day and finding that by the time I leave her I am completely drained mentally and emotionally even though I am with her about 20hrs a week. I do not live with her. On my off time the phone calls never end fro her, her friends and family.. from her they could be as simple as how do I open a note book. I Nearly broke down this morning while the nurse was there as I am completely drained emotionally and mentally. All I am able to do when I come home is sleep despite the fact that I have my own business to run and falling behind in that as my time and attention has been turned towards her. Just not sure how much more I can handle of this. I am drained and presently having a breakdown. My appititte has decreased and the desire to sleep has increased as I am wiped out. I leave her with a nasty headache and felt as of I was going to pass out this morning while I was with her.
Dear 'Rose,
You have touched my soul with your situation. I hear your deep and honest cry. God hears you too. Please give me an update. I am upset that nobody responded to your post since January. I see that most posts are unanswered. I just joined today. Perhaps not enough people are on the site, or perhaps most of them are too busy in their problems of caregiving to remember to check back. Whatever the reason, I really am hoping that you can let me know how you are doing now. I wonder if the family can hire another caregiver to help you? It does not sound like a 20 hour a week job. It sounds like much more if you are carrying the responsibility with phone calls and administration and point person for family, doctors, patient, assistant living center, etc. I know that I could not do that unless I was paid enough that I could quit the other job and not be so drained. Otherwise I would consider giving up the care position to someone else the family can hire, maybe someone who has not other job competing for their time. Your emotions are involved also and your emotions are draining your physical health on top of the time spent working both jobs. I hope that you can give up one or the other. It just doesn't sound sustainable.
With hope and care, -Sparrow
I'm truly sorry to hear about the immense strain you're experiencing as a primary caregiver. It's crucial to acknowledge the toll it takes on your mental and emotional well-being. It's essential to prioritize self-care and establish boundaries. Open communication with the elderly woman's family is crucial, expressing your concerns and seeking additional support. Consider professional counseling or support groups to share your feelings. Delegate responsibilities when possible, and don't hesitate to seek respite care. Your own health and business are equally important, and finding a balance is key. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength. Popscene Preview: Prioritize self-care to maintain your well-being. https://www.emulatorpc.com/penguin-run/
I'm sorry to hear about your situation and the stress you are facing. This is a difficult time and requires a lot of strength from you. You can find tools like time calculator to help you organize and optimize your time so you can spend more time with your loved ones.