Alone Caregiver Barely Hanging On

[d386481c]

I am soooo tired. I am a 61 year old daughter/primary caregiver for my 81 year old mother who has lung cancer, kidney failure & diabetes. It's been 2 years. I'm alone. No one to talk to. No shoulder to cry on. I am so full. I have diabetes. I suffer from depression, sleep apnea, diabetes and I am bi-polar. 

My mother will NOT accept help from ANYONE else. NO agencies, services, etc. She is too proud and too private.

No one can solve this. I just keep going but it would be nice to sound off or just go someplace and scream!

Sorry! 

Demetria

[ultimate]

I’m sorry you’re so alone during this period. I endure the pain of isolation and being alone approx 95% of the time. I hope you can feel the sensation that you know someone is thinking about and praying for you. Thank you for bring so concerned for your mother. Just sent you a Virtual hug. Did you feel it? God Bless You this Good Friday. Have a Spectacular Easter! T Cameron Disabled Senior

[debralar]

@ Ultimate! Thank you so much. Got your hug and sending you one back 🙂  One thing I've started doing is reading and it has helped me. I'm grateful to have both my parents and would not trade it for anything in this world. They keep busy with puzzles and Dad loves watching old movies and shows on the Inspiration channel.  Wishing you a very Happy Easter!  May God Bless You!!!

[debralar]

Thanks so much for your kind thoughts and sending prayers and big hugs to you.  It's so hard to take care of elderly parents as well as ourselves, especially when we have our own health issues.  I would never put them in a nursing home and cannot afford assisted living.  The government should assist those like us.  

[JaneCares]

 Hi Debralar; just wanted to mention that in some states, assisted living IS paid for by state and federal money if the elderly person's income is low enough. if you share your state, i'll share the link to find out more. best of luck to you,  Jane  

[debralar]

Thanks so much for reaching out and recommendations 

[LauraRoslin]

Hi I'm sorry you're going through this tough time. I was a caregiver for 13 years, but my mother was bit easier. I remember the worry and sleep deprivation. I'd like to recommend the AARP Family Caregiver Support group on Facebook. It's private so your posts aren't seen outside of this group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/aarpfamilycaregivers And the good thing is there's probably other folks active in the group at all hours of the night, so if you can't sleep, there's still other folks around. Additionally, if you haven't already, check with your agency on aging, to see if they have support groups or other ideas Just type in your zip code here https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/index.aspx And finally, does your mother's medical practice or hospital have a Patient Navigator? They may be some help to you and your mother. I wish you the best!

[p974065r]

Keep breathing,,and know this. Is. I am temporary.  I am fighting for my mother to get dialysis.  The doctor said she is too old. For dialysis my heart is broken. 

Try to find joy in your dairy task.

. 

[d386481c]

Hi guys,

Well it happened. My Mom passed away on Feb, 1st, 2017. She was in so much pain. We went to the ER again 3 nights before then. It never occured to me that she wouldn't come home. On my God! She was coherent enough to decide that she didn't want anymore surgery. The risk was too high that she would'nt live through it and if she did there would be no quality of life. She called the whole family around her and said her good-byes. Then 3 days later she went peacefully to sleep.

Her chair is empty. I am truly alone. I haven't been in her room. I am taking care of her financial affairs because I have to. I am so messed up that I couldn't do the Eulogy at the memorial service. I am so screwed up. I feel so guilty about being so selfish. She is out of all of that pain from so many fatal diaseaes that she was carrying the load from. She is free. 

I have spent so much of my time with her that I don't know what to do now. I just sit here.I don't eat, I don't sleep. I take my bi-polar meds and my insulin and I sit. God it hurts so much. My heart is broken. 

Demetria

[Lanie48]

Dear Demetria, 

i am sorry for your loss. Please take care of yourself. 

[Iris59801]

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Death of a parent is crushing not matter how difficult the circumstances leading up to it. I hope you are getting lots of rest and taking care of yourself the best you can.

[agoyer]

Demetria I also thought this video about grief and loss might be helpful for you...

Hugs, 

Amy 

[LaDolceVita]

Demetria I am so sorry that you feel so terrible.    I have found that books  & websites which deal with death & dying to be of enormous help. 

[d386481c]

I think I will go to the book store today or tomorrow. It will get me away from the TV.

Thanks

[agoyer]

Demetria I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I can imagine how must feel - when my Mom died I felt completely frozen and numb and the grief was so overwhelming. I, too, took her to the hospital never dreaming she wouldn't come home. 

I'm glad to hear you are taking your meds - that's so important as this is hard enough time as it is. You don't need health crisis to make it harder. Right now just do the next thing. Whatever you need to do next. Try not to think too far ahead. Be gentle with yourself...

Are you getting any grief support? Caregivers are so often at risk of "complicated grief" that is harder than usual to get through and is extreme. Your mom as such a huge part of your life. Life after caregiving can be really tricky as our roles change and we try to figure out what to do with ourselves. Try to maintain some of your usual routines - the ones that don't feel too painful. Don't let anyone rush you - there is no set time period or way of grieving. 

I hope you get some support for your grief - here are a few places you can look for help:

• A local grief support group (check with the hospital they should have a list of them)
• Keep walking through your grief here on the AARP online community or other online groups
• Here are some wonderful grief support articles and support from the AARP Caregiving Resource Center.

This is a very emotional time for you so please be careful. If you feel suicidal please please reach out for help immediately - remember these numbers to call: Natl Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or National Hopeline Network 1-800-442-4673.

When you are ready, you might channel your energies into doing something to memorialize your mom. Anything from planting flowers or a tree to creating a scrapbook to making her favorite meal to creating a photo pin with her photo on it to watching her favorite movie or creating a scholarship fund in her name. Whatever feels good to you.

Thinking of you and praying for your peace. 

[d386481c]

So far, life after care giving is like no life at all. I am afraid to go out. I feel guilty if I find a moment of peace so I sit in the house alone and do nothing. Without doing things for my Mom, I have nothing to do! I'm so sad if i think about her.

[d386481c]

Thank you so much for the support and kind and helpful response. I will try to keep going and take care of myself. I'm going to call my shrink today and try to get a therapist. I haven't seen my old one in years.I don't know if I should call the old one. Financial problems but she was kind about them.. She isn't aware of these things in my life but she will understand how I got here. Any thoughts? I'm trying not to go into a depression hole, I have too much to take care of. Thanks for hanging in here with me. The people around me have no idea what this feels like.
Demetria

[JaneCares]

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@d386481c wrote:
Thank you so much for the support and kind and helpful response. I will try to keep going and take care of myself. I'm going to call my shrink today and try to get a therapist. I haven't seen my old one in years.I don't know if I should call the old one. Financial problems but she was kind about them.. She isn't aware of these things in my life but she will understand how I got here. Any thoughts? I'm trying not to go into a depression hole, I have too much to take care of. Thanks for hanging in here with me. The people around me have no idea what this feels like.
Demetria

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Hi Demetria. We are all so sorry to hear of her passing. Your mother is indeed at peace. I hope that the sadness you feel is something you can let wash over you like waves, but not drown you. It will (and has) slow you way way down, but that's okay. It is the only way, really. Grief has its own wisdom and it takes you as you are, has its way with you.  In between bouts, you can try to care for yourself, maybe take care of one piece of estate business (such hassle). 

What kind of insurance do you have? I work for county mental health services and we see EVERYBODY regardless of ability to pay. I saw a man for several months who'd lost his wife. It seemed to be worthwhile for him. 

Keep writing here, keep us up on how you are, we care and want to hear. With you in spirit,

Jane

[d386481c]

I'm starting to realize that all of the pain she was in has now ended. She was a very spiritual woman and in the end she was blessed enough to make her own decision about her final chapter. She always said that she didn't want to leave me with that burden.

I promised her that I would take care of myself, but it is complicated. I will get to it after I finish the estate stuff. I am just having so much trouble keeping it together. But it's only been 32 days right?

Thanks for being here,
Demetria

[LaDolceVita]

@d386481c  Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[d386481c]

Today is a better day. Fresh snow and sunshine!

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks so much!

[JaneCares]

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@d386481c wrote:
Today is a better day. Fresh snow and sunshine!

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks so much!

---

Sunshine can make such a difference!

Like LaDolceVita said, keep writing, as you have been. 

I hope you can take care of yourself all along, and not AFTER you've sorted out the estate. That is real work, and your needs are ongoing. Whatever and whomever help you feel connected to the world, to other people, to beauty and hope, is a good thing, a braided cord to connect you even when you feel like staying in and taking another nap.

yup, 32 days are not very many. 

we are with you.

jane

[debralar]

Hi Demetria.  I can understand what you are going thru and often feel as though I am alone.  My 78 year old Mom has been in and out of hospitals since May of 2016 due to diabetes and then numerous UTI's. In October, they found a 6 cm mass above her left kidney. Her and my 85 year old Dad are both living at my apartment.  I lost my job due to excessive absence (resulting from Mom's numerous hospital stays).  I am the only child and sole means of transportation, etc.  Like you I am bi-polar and also suffer from high blood pressure & high cholesterol.  I have no insurance any longer and cannot afford to buy right now.  With that being said, I have put my health on hold.  I am trying to start my own company so I can work from home but it's hard.  Over the next few weeks, I have to take them to the following dr appointments.  Dermatologists for my Dad to have a cancerous growth removed, Cardiologists prior to my Dad having cataract surgery, biopsy of a 6 cm mass above my Mom's left kidney (last week was a colonoscopy) and then follow up visits with Oncologists after the biopsy.  Cataract surgery for my Dad's left eye, with right eye to follow a month later.  It's so hard to have a positive attitude as I get up and cook 3 meals a day, clean the kitchen after each meal, wash clothes, and somehow try and take care of me.  My parents are the same as your Mom, they do not want at home health care, only me.  I have been so angry lately and simply at my wits end.  I cannot even go and visit with friends for longer than a few hours and they are calling.  We must take care of ourselves though, somehow, someway.  Just know you are not alone.  Big Hugs from Texas!  Debra Largent 

[d386481c]

Hi Debra!

Thanks for sharing with me. It was so nice to get your response. You are one strong woman! You really make me feel like I CAN keep pushing through. What you are doing is incredible. Us caregivers don't realize how incredible we are do we?!

I am having a better day today. Last week my mom had surgery on Monday and again on Friday.

Both unplanned Both for her fistula to try and do dialysis for her kidney failure. It was awlful. I hardly slept all week and my health was completely out of whack.

Today for the first time in 10 months her 4 hour dialysis treatment went correctly! what a stress relief for me!  10 mionths is a long time to be stuck in a long dark tunnel, but today, today I smiled!

Hang on! Thanks again for reaching out to me!

Hope to talk Soon!

Demetria

[JaneCares]

Debra writes: “ I can understand what you are going thru and often feel as though I am alone.  My 78 year old Mom has been in and out of hospitals since May of 2016 due to diabetes and then numerous UTI's. In October, they found a 6 cm mass above her left kidney. Her and my 85 year old Dad are both living at my apartment.  I lost my job due to excessive absence (resulting from Mom's numerous hospital stays).  I am the only child and sole means of transportation, etc.  Like you I am bi-polar and also suffer from high blood pressure & high cholesterol.  I have no insurance any longer and cannot afford to buy right now.  With that being said, I have put my health on hold.”

**************

Hi Debra!  This is Jane. Are you able to get unemployment? I trust your parents’ social security is helping you to pay your bills. But, I’m worried that you don’t have insurance right now. I hope you can pay your pharmacy expenses. Because you know how important it is to take your medications. I need mine, too. I’m on COBRA which is super expensive but until my current job gives me benefits, I have to pay. I’m on psychotropics and a statin and diabetic meds… PLEASE don’t put your health on hold for too long!!!  

**************

“I am trying to start my own company so I can work from home but it's hard.  Over the next few weeks, I have to take them to the following dr appointments.  Dermatologists for my Dad to have a cancerous growth removed, Cardiologists prior to my Dad having cataract surgery, biopsy of a 6 cm mass above my Mom's left kidney (last week was a colonoscopy) and then follow up visits with Oncologists after the biopsy.  Cataract surgery for my Dad's left eye, with right eye to follow a month later.  It's so hard to have a positive attitude as I get up and cook 3 meals a day, clean the kitchen after each meal, wash clothes, and somehow try and take care of me.  My parents are the same as your Mom, they do not want at home health care, only me.  I have been so angry lately and simply at my wits end.  I cannot even go and visit with friends for longer than a few hours and they are calling.  We must take care of ourselves though, somehow, someway.  Just know you are not alone.  Big Hugs from Texas!  Debra Largent “

*****

Dear Debra, Please please go out with your friends. You are very busy, yes. But you will become even MORE resentful and exhausted, AND your health will suffer.  Did your parents sometimes leave you with a sitter, at day care, with family, so that they could get a break, when you were young?  They may prefer only you but that is not possible given all that they need.

If you go onto www.eldercare.gov and type in your zip code you can find the agency who’s sole purpose is to help people like yourself and your folks get the help they need. They may be eligible for Medicaid which would then pay for home health care. Transportation to doctor appointments. Perhaps medical day care. You can’t do all of this by yourself indefinitely.

Sincerely,

Worried Jane

[LaDolceVita]

Seems there are a lot of elderly parents who do not want outside help!!  I do not feel so alone reading these posts.

[JaneCares]

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@LaDolceVita wrote:

Seems there are a lot of elderly parents who do not want outside help!!  I do not feel so alone reading these posts.

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Almost all of the clients i've worked with in home hospice care and when i was a geriatric care manager. we'll all in denial about something, and all but very few hold onto independence with the fierceness of the life force itself. what i sincerely wish is that older folks with disabilities would be MORE independent if they allowed for some help. they would be more IN CONTROL if they completed advance directives like living wills and CONSCIOUSLY chose someone to act as financial or health care proxies instead of letting the law or 'next of kin' determine who makes those decisions. Their family would be MORE DEVOTED AND INVOLVED if the burden of caregiving was shared more equitably among siblings and other family members AND paid caregivers. Elders are missing out...

Jane

venting a bit of frustration here

[d386481c]

I so agree! Thanks for reading my mind and saying it out loud!

[retiredtraveler]

"...Jane   venting a bit of frustration here....".

Yes. You always post caring and excellent posts to the many posters experiencing some major issues. But yes, a few more people need to take some responsibility and do some advance planning and put some thought into what might happen in their future.... 

[Mensh]

Dear Demetria,

It's not just difficult to be the only one that a loved one will rely on -- it's impossible. Is there any way you can talk to your mom and tell her that you need some time to care for yourself too?  

I get that she might simply be afraid to be alone or with someone she doesn't know.  Could you discuss your situation with a caregiving agency and perhaps introduce a caregiver as a friend of yours?  Then that person could come over to "visit" you a few times.  As your mom gets more familiar with him or her, perhaps she'd agree to have her over without you. Then you could go to a movie or do something else. 

I agree with others here that it's important for you to care for yourself too. You can't be at your best with your mom unless you have the time to take care of you. Is your mom the kind of person who'd listen to you about your concerns for your own health. 

Keep posting, keep active in this thread.  This is something that you can do for yourself while you're with your mom. It's a start to finding your way back to helping you.