Does anyone else feel like their life is disappearing in an effort to take care of their aging parent?

Yvone I am so sorry for what you have to endure-my husband did not love me-he changed as soon as we got married and did say he hated me so caring for him was difficult and I finally had to learn to detatch and not let his bad moods and behaivor reflect on me and that I simply did not deserve to be treated badly-and his bad behaivor kept up until his last heartbeat-he was unresponsive to me the last days but did try to talk to our kids and grandchildren-he was punishing me -the one person who stuck with him through long standing abuse the verbal hurt more than the physical abuse. Moonlily please call social service or the office of the aging in your county-someone needs to give you some relief-please keep us posted. Lavender-any friend that indicates that they are tired of hearing your feelings should not be in your life-a true friend would try different things to help-maybe stay with the person you are caring for for 2 hrs so you can rest.

Thank you HP. I, also, have just found this site as a result of a mini breakdown Friday. I'm the sole caretaker of both my parents...ages 85 and 86. Like you they are still in assisted living, but I am providing other 'needs' daily. So far our relationship is wonderful and I want it to stay that way. My problem is burnout. I WANT to take care of them. But my emotional energy is draining. Thanks for being my support!!