Long term caregiving

mothernature, greetings. My encouragement is going to sound more like a dirge. One day when I was feeling the way you describe, I saw a young, slim woman walking past my house. Having a kitchen lightbulb burned out, and really, really needing someone to change it for me, I asked the young woman (who said she lived just up my street) if she would change my lightbulb, please. She said, yes, and that she’d be back soon. She came back about an hour later, changed my lightbulb, and chatted. Then she asked if she could have a tissue for her nose. I invited her to get one. The box was behind me (and I was in my wheelchair). She took too long, and when she again stood in front of me, touching her nose with the tissue, she didn’t seem to need it. I knew something was “off”. She left. And my one-year-old smart phone did, too.

So, this is my ‘negative re-inforcement’ story. Be careful what you wish for. . I’d thought that the young woman and I could be friends, even maybe that I might hire her as an aide. And, no, I’m not a caregiver.

Wow dear, you handle immense and never-ending responsibilities. Do try that FaceBook page even if you have to join up. This is good place to share your feeling snd you might find a few helpful hints on handling specifics. Big welcome.

I am a quad without huge health issues at the moment and independent, bu my deafness (and bladder tending) keep me socially isolated. The internet is useful.

Clearly my proof-reading is impaired as well.

Hi mothernature. I’m sorry you feel so isolated. I have only been caring for my quadriplegic husband since October but, I, too am disabled and have been for eight years. I had a very active social life before my injury and felt isolated already when abandoned by friends but, I had no idea how bad it could get until my husband became completely dependent on me. I’m not allowed to be sick anymore. I’ve never been this exhausted or in this much pain in my entire life. But I’m trapped. I never signed up for this. But I also can’t walk away. I vowed in sickness and in health. And my husband took care of me for nearly eight years. But, I’m terrified. I’m already feeling now how you feel after 35 years. How am I going to do this? I’m sorry I’m taking your post and making it about me. It’s really not my intention. May I say, if you need someone to chat with, I am happy to be a someone to be a listening ear. Please feel free to message me. Perhaps if we share our woes, we can cure our isolation to a degree. Hugs 🤗 to you!