I am a 24/ 7 care giver to my sister and brother-in-law. What happens when I get sick?

You need to look for an assisted living facility for your sister and brother-in-law. If there isn't money to pay for it, look into having them enrolled in Medicaid which will pay for it. Even caretakers need time off. No one can do anything 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, regardless what it is, but especially not caretaking.

Could you please fill out your profile. Its been 3 yrs since you have posted. Ages of the people you care for would help big time and yours too.
Are you living with them or them with you?

If they have money, I would use it for respite care in an AL or a NH facility. Otherwise, you are going to need to hire caregivers.

Go to your Social Services and ask about Medicaid for your sister and husband. Hopefully they will fall into the criteria. They can get Medicaid for LTC and there is in home caregiving. You posted 3 yrs ago Dementia/ALZ was involved. You will not be able to care for these two in the future. And you shouldn't.

I care for my 84yrold father and like you I am his primary caregiver.
I had those same questions as you.
A lot of the services available are for Medicaid recipients which my dad doesn't qualify for and he doesn't have enough to pay for regular respite care.

There is one saving grace.My dad is a veteran and is enrolled in a Homebased care program.The
program offers respite at the VA up to 30days per calendar year.My dad didn't serve during a war time period so he doesn't get the same services as those who did receive.This is one that is available to him.

It's based on availability and a 48hr trial is required.My dad recently did the trial.I have scheduled two future respites.If either of your LO is a veteran who gets services thru the VA.I would look into the Homebased Care and Respite program at the local VA hospital.

Good luck to you.

Have you discussed your situation with your own Doctor?

It would be wise to have respite care as part of the care plans - for emergencies, planned surgery or just to give yourself a break (before you do break).

I just discovered a workaround called a Special Needs Pooled Income Trust. See if your state has these — just google your state + “pooled income trust.” It’s a way to shelter the “excess” income so the person can use it to pay living expenses from their income but still get Medicaid, and not subject to the “look back.” There are organizations that will help you through the paperwork.

Just a clarification that you don't "enroll" in Medicaid...you apply for it and not everyone who applies qualifies. Depending on your state there is a 2.5 to 5 yr "look back" period so I'm hoping the OP is not co-mingling funds or taking or giving financial gifts to her LOs, or doesn't have her name jointly on credit cards or co-signed any loans with them.

FYI there are places that offer temporary respite care so you will need to research those in your area. Or you can engage your other family, friends, neighbors and place of worship to also help. I wish you a full and speedy recovery.

Have you tried county Health Department? There may be some funds for care in the home through them or they may know what to do. Also, there should be an Area on Aging in your area. They are also helpful.

I don’t know what state you live in, but I live in Virginia and last year got a small state grant for respite care. It was a godsend!
I heard about the grant from our local Agency on Aging, which is a wonderful clearinghouse for information for seniors in communities throughout the US. Also, don’t forget to call the Alzheimer’s Association in your area. In addition to this type of information, they can lend a listening ear as you help your loved ones.
Finally, the folks on this site have walked in your shoes and are eager to share their experiences. Good luck!

You make take care of YOU, especially since you need surgery. Tell their town's elder case worker and social worker.

Do they qualify for Hospice at home? Per my mom’s nurse this is an underused benefit. So many wait until the last days to bring hospice in. My mom has been on Hospice since Christmas for strokes. Someone comes in twice a week for a bath and a nurse pops in once a week. Respite care is also offered along with companions so you can run errands. My cousins husband was on Hospice for 18 months and actually graduated off of it.