You have to start taking care of yourself!
Hire help and use respite care as often as you can. Or get them in Assisted Living or nursing home,

It's very hard, I know. I have been the only caretaker of my dad since 2015. Oh sure I have had professional CNA and a nurses come but I soon realized it's just their job. He's on hospice now and it's even worse because they offer nothing! No help with housework, respite hours and I had to do away with the CNAS cause he was more interested in making friends with my dog. I now pay a friend of mine who is a RN but stays at home with her kids to come twice a week to clean my dad. They are getting along great cause she treats him like a person not another body to clean. I have been up all night cause he's in pain and groaning. It worries me but I can't give him no more pain medication. He's 97 BTW. I have had only one night away from the house. My youngest son volunteered to take care of him. What can I tell you except pray. It is by the grace of God I keep going and my deep love for my dad. May you find the rest you need. God Bless!

I know God is my life line. I pray to him a lot. Sometimes I say "it's me again" talking with God. I know that he listens and understands. I will pray for you and your dad also. Thank you for responding. It has made me feel little better because I know there is someone like you out there that understand and how this all make you feel

Macdad, I appreciate your prayers. You have been at this far longer than I. You must be Hercules! I'm a highly sensitive introvert. Letting every Tom, Dick and Harry in my house is a nightmare. I have three children that doesn't help and three brothers two live in other states and one who disappeared for two years show up at my door two months ago. I told him the only reason I let him in, I was glad he wasn't dead. But I'm still debating it. They do not call him or nothing. I don't understand. I have half sister who tries to care. I know she loves her dad. But when my oldest son died by suicide last September she ignored me when I begged for her help. This year in February her daughter 34 OD. Now she seems to have a little empathy. I'm sorry try as I can it's too late. I'm still kind to her but she hurt me way too far. Just some of my drama to make yours not so much big. Hang in her Hercules!

All of you amaze me. The things you have gone through are incredible and big life events. You must truly be very strong people to withstand all that has happened. I have learned a few things through this journey, the first being that it isn't uncommon for one family member to take on the care of the needy family member. Few families share the load, and most families are happy to let one member be the sole caretaker without much influence or help. It looks like @sagacioussusan that's true for you. Please don't give up. I'm glad you both have faith - that is an important support when we don't feel like we get it anywhere else. Please know that I am happy to help offer support through this site. It is important that you recognize your needs and take care of your health. Most caretakers suffer healthwise - it probably doesn't help to know that, but atleast you know you are not alone in this, even the suffering. Let's keep communicating and see if we can collectively support each other even more. Both of you, take care of yourselves.

Hi, Sweetie;
Felt like you so often. I too cared for both my parents, primarily my dad. I felt at the end of my rope many many times. So really do understand.
Try to remember though, this time will not last forever.
When it's over, you will gain so much comfort in knowing you were there for your parents in their time of need.
God bless. I'll keep you in prayer.