Moved back home to care for my mom who passed from cancer in April. Now it's me and my 83 year old dad. He has several health issues, non life-threatening at the moment but he needs me around to help him with the house and other daily tasks. I have a part time night job so I can be around in the daytime to go to the his many doctor's appointments. i don't regret coming home to take care of my parents but some days I want to cry wondering what is going to happen to me when my father passes which could be years from now. I'm 56 years old, I have no friends here, no money to really do anything and no motivation to do anything worthwhile. My siblings tell me they appreciate all that I am doing and offer support but they have families, jobs and all live several hours away, it's just easier for me to do everything. i know people will tell me I'm depressed, I already take medication for that. I guess I just need to know if everyone else in my position feels the same
Alone, if the house is big enough, share the rent with like-minded people.
You need to make some friends (even other caregivers) who you can vent to. I have one good friend who is in a similar situation. We listen to each other about our folks. I started a women's group through meetupdotcom and have organized a lot of activities through my group. And it's where I met my caregiver friend.
As others have said, get out and do some social things, whether you feel like it or not. Exercise, do something in your local parks, go to library events, join a faith community...whatever you can find to meet some other nice people. They're out there, looking for you too!
I think the best thing we can do is conserve our money and be independently happy at the end of caregiving. I think the Golden Girls had it right -- sharing expenses, but having separate lives.
Your dad could live many more years, but no one knows the future. It might help you feel better if you got more information about where you stand for when your dad does pass away. I think I might consult with an Elder Law attorney. Do you have Durable Power of Attorney for your dad? What do you expect to inherit? Are you providing help in the home with dad in order to inherit certain funds or the house? I'd talk to dad and find out. Don't be shy, jut pragmatic. A lawyer can help put that all in writing, if necessary. Does your dad already have a Will? That might give you some assurance for the future.
And if you aren't expecting anything, like Life Insurance, investment accounts, etc., then you can start now to build your future. Age 56 is not old. You have options. I'd get the info and consider them.