I’m just going to say it:

After six years as primary caregiver to my mother I am becoming resentful. Is it always about her all the the time? I will probably die before my mother (98) from my own self neglect and emotional distress- putting her needs before my own -all the time. I am emotionally and physically spent. I am dead inside. My dear friend who is also a caregiver to her mother, was just diagnosed with a type of cancer that was likely triggered by stress. We are both going to die before our elderly parents. We are worn down to the bone and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. I believe disease can be triggered by stress. Reading this man’s essay about his sick wife and how it impacts his care did not make me feel better. It made me feel resentful and sad.
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Thank you for writing this from your perspective as a patient. My father-in-law went through something similar. We (the kids) lived 3 hours away. My mother-in-law did not want anyone helping them and thank goodness he was still able to let us know that something had happened. She was his primary caregiver, had fallen, and broken a bone in her back. She required surgery, an inpatient stay of a few days and a brace for another few months. Luckily we were able to get up there by before surgery, have someone stay with her, and have someone keep his routine stable. I can only understand now how hard it must have been for him. Note: we put contingency plans into effect after that and he was able to stay at home for all but the last few weeks of his life.
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Rick, thank you for another excellent article.

My parents [mid to late 90's] nor I ever had a Plan B in case I wasn't able to help them. My folks lived on their own and managed pretty well except for transportation. I was their wheels.

Well, one day I fell and broke my upper arm, very painful, and I wasn't able to drive for 6 months as it was the right arm and I couldn't use it to turn the key in the ignition nor could I shift gears. My folks were in a tizzy. Dad needed a haircut. Mom needed things at the store, etc. Take a taxi? In what universe?

One would think after what happened above that my parents would have developed a Plan B.... like maybe it would be a good time to move to senior living. Do something. Nope.
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Thanks for the reminder. I am the caregiver for my mom and dad. I don't have a care plan. I will put one in place.
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What a challenge for you both. I have to say, I don't think it was selfish of you at all. Because she needs you to be there for her, just as you need her. So taking good care of yourself is a gift to her AND her taking good care of herself is a gift to you. I know if my senior mom and I were dealing with that and it was me that was so ill, she would be beyond terrified. I'm blessed to have one child nearby that could help along with others at a distance. But it is good food for thought for us as well. Thank you for sharing this. Praying for y'all!
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Yea, I've thought about this, also. I'm the caregiver. Hubby needs the routine. Right down to bathroom issues that happen about 2 or 3 times a week. He's never had anyone dress or give him his meds. His Daughter, who lives with us, (we're a blended family) sort of knows but is in denial. And she "freaks out" easily. We have a caregiver; and she comes in two mornings a week. If I got sick, don't know if she could come in quickly. Question for her next Wednesday. Hubby's DIL would be the best one as she's a head on her shoulders and lives locally.

Like I say, I've thought of this.
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Thank you for this eye opening article. Thank you for being honest and candid. I am caring from my mom in a completely different state then all my family. I need to ask if someone would be willing to come care for her or if she would need to go to a facility.
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