my dad only draws approx. $900 monthly. draws $16 food stamps, is veteran but won't apply for benefits. I quit work to care for Mom & Dad. Can't draw unemployment, can't work part time, on meds for ADD/depression. Mom died in August 2012-dad has alzheimers- doesn't remember she's dead-thinks I am her most of the time- he sleeps most of the time. gets frustrated, sometimes angry because I won't "take a nap" with him. I am with him 24/7 m-f...brother stays on weekend to give me a break...two other sisters don't help at all-one calls occasionally or comes to see him maybe once a month. other sister hasn't been here but once since mom died. she lives same amount of distance I do, but refuses to come around or call.
no caregiver support in area- I stay in tears- take Ativan & Cymbalta- doesn't help. I promised my mom when she died I would take care of daddy. and I will. I actually see my husband on the weekend. he is self employed, no ins, work is off so he can't give me money for meds, drs, mad money...no one to talk to- can't talk to family,friends because after a year I feel I should be handling all better-not crying all the time.
the only time during the week I get away from dad is to go to the store-seems like my depression is worsening and I can't help feeling I am causing my dad to become more depressed because I try to get away at times. I was seeing therapist before I had to quit work. didn't really seem to help other than give me accurate meds for the problems. I was diagnosed with ADD/OCD-put on Strattera-still take when I can get free from manufacturers.
my dad lives alone now, approximately 70 miles from all other immediate family. other sisters think if we wouldn't stay with dad it would force him to move in with someone. My brother and I both agree it would kill dad to force him to leave his home. So we work our lives around dad's care while they go on with their lives as if nothing ever changed. On occasion they used to send dad cards with Walmart cards in them for birthdays, fathers day, etc. now they don't even do that. all extra expenses come back to my brother and me...mostly my brother since I don't have any money. I try to justify it in my mind that it works out between me & my brother that since I quit work, to be here all the time to cook,clean,care for dad that it is even if he supplies money for anything over dad's monthly money but I feel like I am not helping out enough.
I go home on the weekends,try to be a wife, cook, housecleaner,buy groceries, was my husbands clothes,etc but for all practical purposes, my husband is single, has to care for himself, work when he can, try to keep my spirit up,keep his spirit up while going home to an empty house daily. But for the most part I feel like I am letting everybody down because all I do is cry. Realistically I know I all helping but it doesn't feel like it.
I was under the impression there were grants or financial assistance for caregivers. I haven't been able to find any. Maybe if I could pay my way, so to speak, T wouldn't feel like a total failure to everyone. Is this normal?
I am my mother's 24/7 caregiver as well, not a benefit professional. In some cases, care recipients (i.e., your dad) can have caregivers of their choice (i.e., you) compensated by the state Department of Public Welfare through a local Agency on Aging under a "self-directed care" plan. The aim is to help people live in the community if that's their choice. Eligibility or partial eligibility depends on the care recipient's assets. The first step is to contact the Agency on Aging for your father's county; in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (215.765.9040); this office may be able to help you determine your father's Agency on Aging. Ask about the Office of Long Term Living Waiver Program. The Agency on Aging would help your family make a care plan, with your father's input as much as possible. The Agency on Aging can also provide other services and resources.
If your father is eligible for this program, he will be "given" a certain number of hours per week which could be divided among caregivers of his choice. You could even hire a caregiver to relieve you a few hours during the week. There will be a lot of new information to consider . . . it's a process. If you will be one of the "paid caregivers" you would not be able to act as your father's representative/power of attorney, however your brother could (sign timesheets, etc.). My advice is to get a big three-ring binder (or computer scanner) and keep notes and copies of all related papers.
There may be another huge bonus if this works out. When financial stress is relieved, I feel lighter, happier, able to think clearer. You may feel that way if you feel you are contributing as you want to. Bravo to you, your brother and your supportive husband; it's hard to see it, but other family members are likely doing the best they can at the time with what they have (how's that for not judging?). And, on a real tip, what you are doing with your father is priceless! My Highest Thoughts to you.
As I write this, there aren't any answers posted yet. I beg you to keep an open mind and consider the advice you are given as others respond. Believe it or not, there are ways to honor your promise to your mother and also your marriage vows at the same time. Meanwhile, tending to your own wellbeing must be at the top of the list.
I've suffered from depression too and found that the best antidote is to take action. Make a choice and act on it, even if it later turns out to be wrong. But I suspect you'll get answers from our group that will help you make the right choices. God bless.
http://www.legion.org/veteransbenefits/departmentofficers
A lot of the programs for veterans now are aimed at reintegration and families who need help because a soldier was sent on active duty. It might take some time to dig but there is help. If he isn't currently receiving VA benefits, whoever can should apply. You will need his DD214 papers that show his service dates, any time durinh a war, and the type of discharge. He won't be eligible for anything if it was dishonorable. Also try the state website for Dept. Of Aging. Usually they're connected locally to veterans services as well.
I hope you find the help you need and remember: this group is great at letting you vent your frustrations.
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