Is anybody providing free care for a family member or friend?

Question

I'm really interested in hearing the experiences of unpaid carers of any age. How do you feel? Is it a struggle? What probelms to you experience? Do You feel you need more support? I'd really appreciate any answers. Thank You.

Answer 1

I provide care to my mom who is 85, my dad who is 87 and my adult daughter who has a terminal illness. I also provided care for 8 years to my sister who is 65 and has end stage renal disease, and yes at times I feel burned out, i feel used, i want to just get in my car and keep on driving,but there is no one else to do it. what can I do just turn my back and walk away. By nature I'm a loving, caring, compassionate person and maybe that is going to be the dead of me because I don't know how much longer I can do this. And by the way I also work two jobs, one of which is being a social worker at least I get paid for that!

Answer 2

There r so many charitable institutes who r heling deserving people.

Answer 3

ive been caring for my mum and living with her, she has now just gone into a home which she has to pay and im left homeless. ive survived the last few years on £87 a week yet when my auntie got a live in carer they pay her £400 a week. something not quite right somewhere.

Answer 4

i cared for my then wife for 25 yrs who was very ill i did not get any outside help at all, i just took it as my duty to do so, looking back i proberly saved the N.H.S. thousands of pounds like a lot of people do because its there loved one.

Answer 5

We, wife and me, have no children.

I have given my part of the home to my brother, for no money.

We also take care of 7 chidren as if they are ours, but with no expectations, for their studies, and living.

Its just human quality.

Thats it. I am 54 yrs. I find it a pleasure. We have no problems.

Above all I am a retired man. My wife goes to school and is reading Sanskrit.( MA).

I feel that we need no support. Life is interesting.Thats it.

Answer 6

We did for about 5 months until we found out that she was lying to us & using us. I had to arrange my entire schedule around her, make sure everything she needed was within reach & I had everything she needed & wanted. I drive her to the hospital, doctor appts & physical therapy. I talked to her when she was depressed, etc.

The worst part for me is that she doesn't feel any remorse for hurting us nor the many other people I'm finding out about now. I even wonder if she was hitting on my man when I wasn't there. He didn't come out & say it, but he eluded to it.

All I can say is be careful who you take in. We thought we knew her for several years, but until someone lives under your roof, you don't REALLY know them.