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I am A Caregiver And Need My Own Life

Franny50

franny50
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Hello.I am a live in caregiver for my 88 year old uncle who has congestive heart failure.Basically I do everything for him,although he is ambulatory.My problem is now at the age of 50,I am growing tired of being a caregiver and want my life back.I never married,have no children and have not been in a relationship for years.I still would like to meet a nice man and get married but do not want to abandon my elderly uncle.Any advice?
 

Chaplain David

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A couple of things you can do is check with your local hospitals and see if they run a caregiver support group. The other would be to check with some churches in your area. Sometimes the larger churches will have them. My hospital runs one and it's a real place of support and sharing. God bless.
 
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SharonL

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My heart goes out to you - try the advice given above - some of the groups I see you are Catholic - they usually have help if you go to them - try the agencies that are set up for this. He should certainly be eligible for home health care and give you a little break.

As far as getting a life - it is very hard when you cannot get out to meet people - I know I will get pounded for this, but I am going to recommend you try some of the on-line agencies to establish fellowship - my caution would be to just be very careful - there are a lot of people meeting on-line. My daughter met her husband on e-Harmony - they are very careful and you have to meet someone at least 5 times before they even give out your phone number. It will at least get you meeting people.

Your uncle may object to you bringing help in - but just do it - sometimes the elderly are very selfish in their wants and needs, not considering what is happening to the caregiver. (from someone who has been there - done that on both sides of the family)
 
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