No consideration for me. Anybody else?

I wouldn't hit them over the head. You would break whatever you used.

LivingSouth, please clarify who's house is everyone living in? If it is Dad's house, then everyone has to obey by Dad's rules. If visitors are coming, whomever had invited the visitors need to do the cleaning.

You sound very burnt out. Please remember that 40% [up from the 30%] of caregivers pass on while taking care of a love one. Those are terrible odds. My gosh, what would everyone do if that happened to you?

Since your doctor is giving you a stern warning, you need to do something pretty quick. Can you afford to move out on your own? How is your Dad's overall health? I see on your profile you also take care of your Mom. Any thoughts about assisted living? Otherwise, you'd be making plans for Assisted Living for yourself.

Go to the nearest mirror. Rehearse.

"I'm sorry. That won't work. Try to schedule your friends' visits for when you can be here to entertain them. That'll be sooo helpful for me. It'll give me some respite."

Repeat ten or twenty times until it just comes out naturally. Oh, when you rehearse, be sure to smile. The words will come out a bit softer that way.

Honest opinion? This is mine. Time to set boundaries, and stick to them.

Establish visitation and length of visit. Perhaps 1 hour in the morning and another in the afternoon and no more than 1 or 2 visitors at a time.

Your father needs his down time. Too many visitors can wear down someone recovering from a medical crisis and delay his recovery. The rules are for him - make that clear.

If the rules aren't honored, don't let the people in. Put a sign on the door stating "rest time", or something like that and just don't answer the door.

If you have to be blunt, do it.

Oh, Twocents - funny!
Thanks everyone for your comments. So far, all the visitors came at the hospital - when the nurse even peeked in to see what on earth was going on. It's like brother knows practically half of the people in town, so when they see them, instead of telling them that Dad is worn out (along with the rest of the family) they just grin and tell them to please go on over! ("Oh they would LOVE to see you!") Seems to me it's like they have a 'Dad, look at how popular we are' contest going on.
When I left the house this morning I told my mother to just tell them that we are not in any condition to have visitors. I think that she would do it, but Dad is SO afraid of offending... In fact, when I bring up that we do not need people marching in, I am told that it's my dad's decision, and that I should just LEAVE if I don't like it.

My dad has a concussion, by the way - sent home too early from hospital. He ended up hitting his head a second time. He was quite active before the fall, so still hoping for the best.

Regardless, since I live here, I will have to do the cleaning. Yes, I do feel like Cinderella,
because neither can afford assisted living - but I did call on siblings last night to be in the house while he is up and about at night. He did better than the first night, when he was pacing all over the house ( with me following) I am still so tired that I can't think, but I did get a few hours sleep last night.

Basically my situation is that if I get upset about anything, then I am told that I am the one with the problem, and then I get the cold shoulder treatment. Even though I do most of the work, I always end up being the bad guy. When I express my opinion, I can see them looking sideways at each other like 'there she goes again.'

[[In fact, when I bring up that we do not need people marching in, I am told that it's my dad's decision, and that I should just LEAVE if I don't like it.]]

Actually, leaving sounds like the best solution to this situation. What would it take for you to move out? As in, do you need to get an outside job? Sell extra stuff? Squirrel away some money for a security deposit? It sounds like the only way your work will be valued is when you're not there to do it for them anymore....

Unfortunately I can't afford to move out. Health problems mean that a part time job is all I can handle physically.

Call a taxi or 911 for yourself and have them take you out of there.
Or, when the guests arrive, say: "Oh, I am so glad you are here! I will be right back, please don't leave dad alone, I will be back. By the time they can ask where you are going, or say, oh, we can't stay, you are already exiting the driveway.
Be sure to call sibs to come over and entertain the visitors, because you just can't make it back in time. Oops! That was such a quick call, they're not sure they heard you right. Honestly!

I can see how a part-time job is all you can handle on top of the full-time job of family caregiver.

Ask your doctor and/or your father's doctor for a referral to a good social worker. SW job is to connect people and the resources they need. Let her surprise you with ideas that you never thought of, or never thought possible, for improving your own and your father's situations.

Has anyone noticed that other's rghts take precedence over a caregiver's rights, and the mantra that 'Nothing can be done' just irks me. It is like waiving a red flag in front of a bull when you tell me that, because peeps, do something! The caregiver's are backed into impossible situations, and then expected to be okay with ill persons having rights that they are too sick to handle.! I am getting tired of finding neighbors who have fallen, are alone, and had no help because "nothing could be done."
The poster here is headed for caregiver burnout.
Living South, you are not being petty. I hope things change for you soon, for when you are able to stand up for yourself.

If you can't hold a job to support yourself, are you on disability? What would you do if your parents only rented and then went into assisted living? You would find a way to support yourself somehow, wouldn't you?

The idea that you are financially dependent on your parents that therefore have no say about what goes on in their house is so wrong on so many levels, but I doubt it is an injustice you can overturn on your own.

See a social worker about help for YOU. Live on your own. Let your siblings deal with your parents' care. You've had your turn.

Well, I did leave a voice mail and told other family members that they could tell their friends to CALL instead of come by. They didn't like it, I'm sure. So far, so good, but I still have three more rooms to clean.. it's like I'm on a treadmill....

You know, I have been thinking about how I have sent casseroles to people who were sick or had a death in the family - and not ONE person has offered to do the same for me. Didn't do it expecting anything in return, but a little thoughtfulness from others would be great every now and then.
(If I ever get even HALF of the quality of care that I give, if I even live that long, it will be a real surprise.)

You may qualify for respite care. A caregiver would do your job for a day. If the folks are uncomfortable with that, take a bubble bath and a nap, so they know you are in house, but need to care for you, so you are ready to care for them. After a few days of respite care, say one day a week, they may get used to this, and you can go somewhere for a few hours. Then it could be okay for the whole day. Aging parents have more anxiety, because they have less control in their own home. As you would ease a child into a new situation, your parents need time, repetition, and then they may trust in the changes they are facing. My husband and I are disabled. He is a quadriplegic, and very adept in many ways, because he was born with his disability. I am disabled with degenerative diseases and other issues that cause chronic pain. He has a care giver every morning and evening to take care of his personal care, prepare meals and some housework. I married him six years ago, and I finally realized that we are living in an institution, of sorts. I have been able to ask each care giver to clean up after themselves. I set up rules for the use of our appliances, so they aren't trashed. And I have one room with the door locked, to keep anything valuable. My medications are in a locked box. And I am in PJ's most days. My husband runs his own business, and people are in and out while he works.
So, no one but you has the job. You set the rules. But don't be naive. And be yourself. Respite care will keep you sane and give you a better perspective. And make a friend, or find a group for caregivers. You need to vent, but to others. Mom is still Mom and will expect you to respect her. It is a good way to.honor her

CONTINUED...sorry, I am a.lousy texter, too. I understand that you are still in your parents' home. Even though the work you are doing is demanding, stressful and not always appreciated, it is worth it. You are able to adjust many things. You will never change your parents. Age will do that. Hold your ground when it comes to who comes and goes. If they are rude, let them be rude. If they think they are able to do a better job than you, remember that actions speak and words don't. You would be offered a break. But they don't stay to help!
Miy parents are both gone, and I helped my Mom. She had Alzheimer's and mental illness. Sometimes she was mean. And she made up things to hurt. I was running a child day care for 14 kids, with a helper. Some days I cried. And I have great memories, too. Even though those times were trying, I learned so much. I learned about unconditional love, forgiveness, patience, how to set and say what my expextations were, and most importantly, time is short and gratitude.
I got to see my divorced parents before they passed. And I have been able to grow past their struggles. I know my sons have been able to grow past mine. I couldn't wish anything better for them. I hope you know how important you are. Not many people are able to give care. It's just not in them.
Hang in there and show up every day, and keep their backs. Even if no one appreciates you, your parents need care. And you are able to step up. Do be realistic and avoid pitfalls. Burn-out. Poor me pity will suck up all of your good efforts. Isolation. Any hurdle will become a mountain. Vent to the right people. It feels hurtful to the people who raised you, if they hear that you are not happy caring for them. No two days are ever the same. Tomorrows are hope. They call today the present because it is a present(gift) and look for the things that you are thankful for. Life is short. I believe all things happen for a reason. Yeah, relax. Nap when they do. It's going to be okay. Oh, yes, you are not alone!
I look up to you, and am so glad to know that your parents have you now. Not many people are cared for, and you are the one person that allows them to stay in their home. That is huge! I am glad to have read your post and hope you get the care you need.
My late husband committed suicide under our home. He was a Vietnam Veteran and had Hep-C. The VA HOSPITAL prescribed interferon and told him that he would have mood swings and flu-like symptoms. I found out that it causes suicidal thoughts and acts. I lost our home, my business, income, and him. It took many years for me to heal. I would never have imagined that would happen. It changed my perspective of time, and the choices we make with our time. You are taking the high road. That is a happy, good choice.

Needinput, I am so sorry that you have been through so much, but I can tell that it also made you empathetic to others and you're a kind hearted person. I hope that someday I will get my 'beauty for ashes' for I get discouraged.
My friends had kids and were not inclined to hang out with anyone who did not have them, so I am isolated - since my town has no caregiver group and few resources. I will look into respite, (would LOVE the idea) but I know that my mother will refuse to let a 'stranger' into the house.
I am determine to have a few days vacation, for a change, and plan to inform my siblings that they will have to step up and supervised things while I am gone. I am not going to ASK - I am going to demand. I know that my parents would run me into the ground, and so they know that I am not happy about being taken for granted. When I do complain, they just have a blank look on their face. I have to constantly nag them to even call outside help ( which means siblings) and I have no cousins to call on, because their families were not close knit.
I'm tired, so I hope that this makes some sense - you clearly have the 'gift' of encouragement and I will say a little prayer for you when I think of your note.
It does make you feel better when you have someone who has been through similar situations.