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AddyMiller1234 Asked March 2021

Being the only caregiver, I spend 24 hours with my friend and employer with stage 4 terminal cancer. How do I ever have me time?

AlvaDeer Mar 2021
It sounds as though you need to tell your Friend you cannot function in this capacity any longer, can and will remain a friend but that your friend must now enter the care system for care. You say this is your employer? Do you mean you are employed as a 24/7 caregiver? If so you will need now to resign your position.

funkygrandma59 Mar 2021
Your profile says that you are the one with stage 4 cancer. Did you fill the profile out wrong? I'm guessing perhaps you did.
So if it's your friend with the stage 4 cancer, are they now under hospice care? If not they certainly should be. That way a nurse would come and check on them once a week to start, and an aide would come to bathe them a couple times a week. They also supply all needed equipment, supplies and medications.
You can also hire some outside help to come in(with your friends money)so you can get some much needed breaks, as getting away is so very important when you're caring for someone 24/7. You don't mention your friends age, but if they are a senior, you can check with your local Senior Services, as they have folks that come stay with people, when caregivers need a break. You can also check with your friends church(if applicable)as they often have folks to come visit as well. You can also just take a walk around the neighborhood while your friend is resting or sleeping, or even just go sit outside on the porch or patio and read a good book. Sometimes it's just the little things that will rejuvenate our souls and give us strength for the journey. I wish you well.

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Geaton777 Mar 2021
You can contact the county social services to see if the person you care for qualifies for in-home services. Also, are you being paid to provide their care? If not, please reference articles on this forum for how to get paid to provide care. You can contact your area's Agency on Aging for other resources, like respite care for your friend when you need relief (and you should get it regularly). Wishing you much success in finding resources for the both of you.

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