A little back story. I have been living in my Mothers home as her full time caregiver for 24/7 for 3 years. I am on SSDI as my primary source of income. I have seen my savings dwindle and have had very little respite during this time. I told my siblings that I would need a few things if I was going to stay being my Mothers caregiver. I wanted 2 weeks respite a year, $800/month for caregiver pay and the house left in my name if my Mom dies before I do. I also gave them 3 other options if this was not acceptable to them. They came back stating that I was doing disability fraud. Should I get an attorney to protect myself? I really need help here - I feel so alone.
If that is their response to your request for help, let them make other arrangements. There must be boundaries. You should not ruin your health, or impoverish yourself to care for loved ones.
You're not alone. I have Multiple Sclerosis, and receve disability. I worked 35 years, before I was forced to retire. I have seen my fragile health go steadily down hill with the 24/7/365 caregiving. The stress is killing me, while my siblings enjoy their many vacations. They left me alone to do the caregiving, and are now quite content to leave me alone to handle his dying.
This is what helps me. I do what I do for love. I let that love empower and enrich my life. Rather than anger I feel sad for my siblings. . That last part is a work in progress. If the stress of caregiving shortens my life, good. MS is hell, and I don't want to handle old age and MS. I live my life to the fullest with a heart overflowing with love and a mind at peace. Who is it that said living well is the best revenge. I think your wonderful, doing an amazing job.
just a thought
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