Hi, I am new at this and not sure where to start. I am taking care of my 52 year old brother-in-law who has alcohol induced dementia. He was diagnosed about a year ago and has been living with my husband and me for about 6 months now. My husband works so I am the primary caregiver. Sometimes it gets very overwhelming. Johnny (my brother-in-law) has 3 grown children of his own but they don't help me with his care. Johnny is in the mid stages of Dementia, he doesnt seem to care about anything anymore. It is very hard sometimes and I don't really have anyone that I can talk to about it. My husband doesnt want to believe that this is happening to his brother so we have a really hard time talking about it.
I guess I just need to know that there are other people out there that know what I am going through.
Thank you for listening to me.
Brenda
You know something, I just realized that I feel alot better just being able to let all this out. It really does help. Maybe there is hope for me after all. LoL. Anyway, I just want to thank you all for listening.
Brenda
While I am not new at this, I understand the feeling of going crazy. I have been a part-time caregiver for my mother for 20 plus years (before that it was full time for my dad 2 years right out of college).Now it is full time for my mom for the past 4 years. I know from experience that you have to get some help on a regular basis or your health won't hold out. Brenda, you need to have a sit down meeting with your brother-in-laws children and let them know what their responsibility is. They need to understand that you are taking on a big part of their responsibility! If they aren't willing to take their dad (or stay with him at your home so you can get away), they need to take some financial responsibility so that you can hire some respite help. I was only 19 when my father was diagnosed with advanced cancer and I understood my responsibility. If need be they can pick up an extra job. Their primary concern needs to be meeting your needs since you are caring for THEIR dad. Take care of yourself and good luck!
Brendalou
I am also new to this site. But it has helped so much in just the few days I have been on. You are not alone in your feelings. I know I get crazy at times, feel resentment, and just plain tired.
Hopefully his children will come around more often, but I have children in their 20's and they do not understand the situation with their grandmother. They think they do, but not really.
Please vent all that you need we are here for you.......
I know what you mean about going crazy, sometimes thats how I feel, like I am the one that is losing my mind. Anyway its really nice to meet you and I hope we talk again.
Brenda
I just read your email and had to say, I know how hard this is. I hope you can get a break.
lisalives