I have been full-time live-in caregiver for my mother for just 2 1/2 months -- she had a stroke in June and is a hemiplegic. But she's not difficult. I am!

I felt I had to move back home to help her, especially since I had no ties or commitments where I was living. Problem is, I have MS and even though I had very few problems before this, I'm experiencing them now. For instance, I sometimes have to sleep an hour to be alert for 30 minutes! My brother is here as well, so he takes over sometimes. That really helps.

Well. I just needed to vent. I don't really have any issues or advice...

I have been full-time live-in caregiver for my mother for just 2 1/2 months -- she had a stroke in June and is a hemiplegic. But she's not difficult. I am!

I felt I had to move back home to help her, especially since I had no ties or commitments where I was living. Problem is, I have MS and even though I had very few problems before this, I'm experiencing them now. For instance, I sometimes have to sleep an hour to be alert for 30 minutes! My brother is here as well, so he takes over sometimes. That really helps.

Well. I just needed to vent. I don't really have any issues or advice...
Well, I know how you feel~ Just testing to see if they will let me post & then I'll elaborate further.

Does your mom have Medi-cal? I work for home health and in our area, if the patient has medical, they can get IHSS hours (In home support services) and will pay for a caregiver so that you can get a break. Also, if you guys can afford it, ask the senior resource center for a list of caregivers in your area and hire one. They usually charge 7-10 bucks/hr.

I have been full-time live-in caregiver for my mother for just 2 1/2 months -- she had a stroke in June and is a hemiplegic. But she's not difficult. I am!

I felt I had to move back home to help her, especially since I had no ties or commitments where I was living. Problem is, I have MS and even though I had very few problems before this, I'm experiencing them now. For instance, I sometimes have to sleep an hour to be alert for 30 minutes! My brother is here as well, so he takes over sometimes. That really helps.

Well. I just needed to vent. I don't really have any issues or advice...

Thanks. I'm getting paid to care for her, but bringing someone else in every now and then is a consideration...

I can't give you much advise on HOW to get some additional hands, but I can tell you how important it is. Often times, a caregiver who has her/his own condition will have their condition exasperbate if they do not pay attention to their own needs first. Sleeping when you need rest, taking an emotional break when needed. My good friend moved in with me to help me with my dibilitating fibro. In helping me, she now has developed the signs herself of incomplete fibro. She had the signs before, but they have gotten steadily worse. In my own situation, they feel because of the stress that I worked so hard while I was originally sick, 18 hour days, 7 days a week, no weekends, no holidays, no vacations, no sick days, that I made my condition as severe as it is, and I still yet may develop MS or Lupus.

It is so very important for you to take care of yourself dear. It is nice that your brother helps, but do be sure he understands that you have your own medical condition. If you do not take care of yourself first, you will be of no help to either of them, and you could wind up in a flare, or worse. You both need to attend your emotional, physical, psychological needs. I would suggest besides this group, joining a real life group if at all possible in your area. Or you may want to consider counsling too. A lot goes on psycologically that can harm us physically.

Good luck....

I am a mother of 4 and my baby boy whom is 6 now is physically disabled, he needs alot of help, he uses an electric wheelchair to get around, but I have to help him to the bathroom and get him dressed etc etc....I am also foster mother to 2 other girls...I did burn out and basically had a nervous breakdown...I was doing so much for so many people that my body just couldn't handle it anymore....with a change of medication and 4 months later I am finially doing better...my only advice is ask for help if you need it, I didn't, and I paid dearly for it.
Good luck...life can be a struggle, but just look in the eyes of a child and see them smile and you know it's all worth it!!