For the last 20 years (yes, you have read that right!) I have been a caregiver to my husband. Little things at first (he developed congestive heart failure in 1995) on to a heart transplant, losing most of his eye sight, no longer drives, hearing loss, hip replacement in 2008 that that has now basically failed, (doctors deem him to big of a health risk to replace the failed hip) so he can't walk without pain and difficulty...COPD, emphysema, kidney failure and now on dialysis 3 days a week for the last 3.5 years. Has chronic pain. The caregiving has intensified 5 fold in the last 3 years. In 1995 he retired, and I went into business for myself, which thankfully provided us with a good income. However, with the increased caregiving and changes in the industry I am in, the stress of working/owing/running a company AND caring for my husband is just getting to be too much. Even with the occasional help I get, it's not enough. I can no longer devote the time to the company to do what I need to do to grow it and keep in tune with the changes in our industry. Government regulations are making their way into my industry, and that also adds a tremendous amount of stress. I am exhausted, worn out, angry, bitter, grouchy, you name it. I have thought about selling the company and retiring. One would think that would be a great thing, retire! However, if I retire, that means I will be at home and around my husband all the time. Well, maybe 85% of the time. There would not be all that much freedom to enjoy my retirement. Hubby gets on my nerves if I am around him too much. Sorry, just being honest. The other issue is that I am 61, and a bit young to retire and make the money I get from the sale of the business plus social security last for 20 + years. But I know I cannot continue juggling both working and caregiving for much longer. I suspect that in the next few years my husband's health will sharply decline to the point where he will be wheelchair bound. I'm struggling with what to do. Anyone out there retire due to their spouses health issues? How have you been able to handle being a full time caregiver and not lose your sanity? Just rambling because I am really torn on what to do. Any input is appreciated!