Fellow caregiver mers -- what ails you?

[Ransom]

Hi everymer,

You probably already know my predicament -- my life is stuck in place as my wife can't contribute to our household due to her illness. It does make our situation much more difficult, but I'm aware it could've been prevented with wiser planning. I've made all the mistakes so hopefully, future caregivers won't have to.

I'd love to write a few advice articles on how to start and live the life of a caregiver as long as is necessary (because the time chooses you, not you it).

Does anyone here have any experience of caregiving for someone who can't care for themselves?

How has it affected your income and life goals, and how were you able to cope? Did you try any way of improving things, and did it succeed or fail?

Let me know and I'll do my best to address them, and encourage fellow mers in this situation. Thanks in advance!

[AniaR]

Sean and I have started caring for his mother with Dementia. It has been very difficult. Her progressing has been quick. She always had some memory issues due to concussions earlier in life, so we didn't recognize the early stages as they were still in her "normal". Now she's gone from forgetting simple things to full on hallucinations. We spend every free moment we can with her, even take her on mermaids gigs with us. She still lives independently and we're having a hard time changing this fast enough. I think our number 1 issue is trying to navigate through the system to get the support she needs, and also our own burnout.