We are carrying on in extreme conditions and not usually noticed by the general public. We are under tremendous stress at home and so nearly invisible, but we are there saving taxpayers all sorts of money.

We ask no more than that our sacrifices be noted.

Early on I decided to think of caregiving to Ron as a job... a job that paid me $5000 a month ( the cost of a NH).. A crappy job.. but a good paying one. So.. at the first of every month.. I though "Ka-Ching..
one more $5000 for my retirement".
And the thought of it being a job.. helped (sometimes) not feeling like it was a punishment..
We have to do whatever works (helps) get through this thankless
job. I shouldn't say that.. when Ron could speak he thanked me
constantly. Still... you know what I mean.

Judy you are so right. When I was at the end of my rope after the second or third "accident" resulting in changing clothes, linens, etc. sometimes two or three times a day, I had to go into "nurse mode" to get through it without screaming. You need to do whatever you need to do to get through this difficult sometimes thankless job.

No matter how much we received in hourly pay it would not be worth the physical and emotional toll it takes on a caregiver.

Funny ...I too thought that if I think of it as a job and I happen to love the person (which i do most of the time) then it makes sense. The only thing where is my $5ooo LOL

Same here, but it doesn't mean we have to love our job. Actually, I hate it.