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This Week's Carenote - 12/17/08
How do I
find local help and support.
This year I have developed
Diabetes, Parkinson's and
Bipolar Disorder, I have had no
income for 3 months, I sleep
less than 4 hours a night, have
a Mother who has been in the
hospital for two weeks after
having a toe amputated from
staff infection ... I'm burnt-out
and exhausted. Now the hospital
wants me to administer IV
antibiotics twice a day for 6
weeks. I haven't had a vacation
for 7 years and the only support
I have is an alcoholic brother
who does not work that I also
support.
I'm over it
and desperately need help. I
don't know what to do next.
Reply to Letter | View Comments
| Past Carenotes | Discussion Forum
Name: Dixie Douthit
Location: Kitsap Co., Washington State
Date: 12/17/2008
Time: 09:44 AM
CommentsEach state should have local County on Aging Groups - Call or go in and see an intake specialist. They will advise you on how and what types of assistance you need and can receive.
Name: Yvonne Lange
Location: South Dakota
Date: 12/17/2008
Time: 02:48 PM
CommentsYour mom may be eligible for home health nurse from the hospital to do the IV's, since she was hospitalized for the infection. See the hospital social services department.
Name: Charles
Location: MS
Date: 12/17/2008
Time: 03:03 PM
CommentsBefore you can adequately care for others, you must be
stable yourself. Discuss your mother's care with the hospital's social
worker/discharge planner so alternate care arrangements can be made. Possible
options include home health, inpatient sub-acute services or rehabilitation. As
for your brother, he has an illness that is unlikely to improve until you stop
supporting and "taking care of" (enabling)him. Get support for yourself by
attending Al Anon. Obtain psychiatric and medical treatment for your bipolar
disorder, diabetes and Parkinson's. Set realistic, reasonable goals for
yourself. Now is the time to focus on caring for yourself and getting yourself
healthy. Best wishes to you.
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