Greetings, my spouse and I are taking care of my aunt in our home. We have been taking care of her for two years now and we really don't know if we are doing this right. All I know is we are tired, and the stress is taking a toll on our marriage. Hoping to find some resources that might help us. Thank you.
Hi, Monkat. Thanks so much for being part of the Care Community and sharing a bit about yourself and your caregiving situation here. My name is Nichole and I am one the staff here at Caregiver Action Network. It is nice to "e-meet" you. :)
I think many of us who are or have been caregivers relate to being unsure if we're doing things "right." One thing I have learned though my experiences as a caregiver and talking with other caregivers is that there really isn't really a right or wrong way to be a caregiver, At the end of the day, we're all doing the best we can with we know and what we have available to us via resources and support.
Another thing that many caregivers can relate is the impact that being a caregiver can have on other relationships within the family. Balancing your role as a caregiver and these other relationships can feel really daunting. A resource I would you point towards is Changing Relationships, Changing Lives. It focuses on both the changing relationship between you as a caregiver and your loved one, and how it impacts other relationships.
I also suggest reach out the Caregiver Help Desk to help identify other specific resources that may be beneficial to you in lessening stress. You can reach out to them toll free by calling 855-227-3640 or you can connect with them via chat by clicking the orange "Help Desk" button on the bottom right of the screen. The Help Desk hours are Monday through Friday, 8AM to 7PM Eastern, but you can leave a voicemail if you reach out after hours (and your chat message will be sent as an e-mail). They are great about getting back to folks within a business day or two.
I hope this info is helpful! Please let me know if I can be of any further assistance.
Nichole