I'm a caretaker of 96 years old with mixed dementia. 24/7 on duty. Today is the 18th day. I really want to tell this to "her" family that i cant take care of their loves one with that working hours. But I want to make sure fisrt that its reasonable. I mean, are there any of you that have a same experience and you can handle it?
It is a good thing you have asked this question. Continue to educate yourself. Keep checking in with your fellow caregivers as you are able. Take care, have you showered today?
You are doing the work of 3 full-time caregivers, each of which would work 8 hours each, and go home to their own family, have a good nice sleep, and be ready for their next shift.
It is totally unfair for your patient's family to even think you could work around the clock with someone who has memory issues, and probably other medical and physical issues when someone reaches 96 years old.
Keep us up to-date.
Of course you are not bad. This type of caregiving requires a team of three caregivers. Some people can do 24/7, but not without breaks, respite care.
Have you tried Monday-Friday, weekends off? Have you read articles on this site about how many caregivers die before the ones they are taking care of?