I am taking care of my fifty-three year old husband who suffered a terrible stroke and I stopped working to take care of him. I took care of my father for tweleve years prior to my husband having his stroke. I am tired, and most days frightened. I guess I believed being a girl there would be someone to take care of me, how strange things have turned out. I trust God will help me, but I feel very hopeless. I love my husband dearly, but life seems very hopeless.
Eddi
yes, I think we are all a work in progress and finding peace is the key. If you are at peace you can do anything For example, someone here sent my boss a letter with lies in it, see I work at a IT helpdesk, which is stress in itself. But I am very good at what I do and I really am sensitive and hate when people lie and put their ignorance off on someone else especially me so I need all the Peace I can get. I work hard at finding it to and I am a peace maker have been since I was a small child. I thank you all for being here to vent to, sometimes when I respond I gleam some new info myself and that is good. Also, no one is condeming or judgemental because we are all in the same boat. Do you know how good that feels? Yep
Thank you all for being here and I hope each of us has a good New Year regardless of circumstances or what happens. After all we are still us.
neon
No, you don't have "bats in the belfry" and yes, you've come to the realization that at times such as this for those of us who have "switched roles" in life, that it is imperative that we not LOOSE ourselves. Which is why it is also necessary for caregivers to "give unto themselves" and find their rest and peace of mind in order to be a better caregiver.
No, it's not an easy role or task to do and for me, it's a constant tug at my heartstrings. It's taken me a long time to ASK for help, and then accept that help, because then I have to LET GO so I can find my own peace of mind and rebuild my strength. I'm still learning and I'm work in progress.
We need to seperate ourselves which is extremely hard from child to caregiver at least that is what I am thinking perhaps I have bats in the belfry by If we can manage that perhaps it won't be so stressful. What would I do for a person I didn't know (LEAVE) no seriously Thats something I need to think about. neon
Rainbow Painter
I have sat here at the computer since 5:00 am reading thru all the posts on this thread...couldn't sleep. I must say, finding this site has saved my sanity. The first post I made was about 2 weeks ago, and just venting the stress to people who understand was a relief. No-one condemmed me for my feelings and the more I read the more relaxed I become. I have gone from wanting to jump in front of a moving truck, to, I am so thankful and there are some things I just have no power over. If anyone new reads this, keep reading posts on this site. The information is empowering and you will always find something or someone you can relate to your own circumstances. I no longer feel alone and isolated in my plight. Nothing lasts forever and neither will Mom. The only thing I can do is what I think is right morally and ethically. If my family doesn't want to help, they have to live with that, not me (something I learned here). I am where I am suppose to be in Gods eyes and to me thats what counts at this moment. Bless you all for giving me some strength.
Kimberly
IS had some good advice. I'd check with your state aging services as well as your county social services. If you have an Area Agency on Aging (gov. program) they can help (Aging Services can tell you that). Someone at these places should be able to point you to resources in your area.
Carol
Eddi
Blessings to all who come searching and needing comfort.
Rainbow Painter
It's wonderful that you are working on your LPN. You are fortunate to have your background in this field to help you in your personal struggles.
Carol
me in small town nebraska
Take time for yourself hot bath, walk, window shopping anything where you can get away for a few min. I am supposed to be getting ready for a small gathering tonight for the church instead I am on the computer until Mother gets up thats my down time. Love and hugs to all just take them arms of yours and hug yourself, close your eyes and know God is hugging you. Just stay still and get inside yourself for a few min I know that sounds stupid but it works, Let your father hold you neon
Carol
Carol
Falls often do come from weakness (chemo) or other medications that can be adjusted. Let's hope they can help you with this.
Caroll
I found that if i joke with mom that helps at times. My husband and I bought mom a heater that represents the suns rays, she is alwaays cold.It is called Soleusair, it seems to be helping too, she is not so cantankerous with me, although she glares at my husband most time. Mom also swears when she gets mad, she NEVER swore before.