I have POA and am primary caregiver. My sister refuses to help. I live close to Mom, help with doctor visits, groceries and take her out to lunch. She lives in a retirement center, so she has meals and social activities. I've tried to get my sister to help. Sis agreed to come one weekend a month, but hasn't come for 4 months. I want to avoid the caregiver burnout and set appropriate boundaries, since I have a stressful job, a husband and I get tired too. I don't want to take on more than I can handle and I'm sure the caregiving will require more as Mom declines...any advice is appreciated.
What exactly does your mother need help with on the weekends at the retirement center?
If you have her in an Independent Living apartment, maybe it is time to consider a move. Safety is always your first consideration. Forget about sis, move on without her input.
Does your area offer on-line grocery shopping with home delivery. Believe me, it is worth every penny for whatever the delivery fee would be. But some on-line services you need a minimum grocery order of $50-$100. Buy a month's worth if Mom has room to store the items.
As for doctor visits, doesn't the retirement facility offer transportation? Or do you feel you need to be with Mom at her appointment to be an extra set of ears to make sure Mom heard everything correctly?