I've done some 'difficult' jobs in my days, yet few could be more 'taxing' than
carrying for the elderly. I guess I didn't realize all that it entails, when I raised my right hand.
Sleep is, as they say, 'hard to come by' and some nights it's none at all.
Hard then, to go work outside all day, especially in freezing temps.
Still, we do what we can with cost in health care skyrocketing.

Just wondering how many of you have tackled that choir and perhaps how you've dealt with
someone who cries out for others who have already left this world or have no idea where they are.
Sure does let you find out what you're made of . . .

Heavy, to say the least.

I have, and there is more in front of me. My family structure has it spelled out, unless I go first.

Prayer!

LT sending prayers for you. Years ago l had my father in a step down hospital facility after cancer surgery about 4 counties away, and my step mother was in a nursing home following a stroke where she was confined to a bed or sometimes strapped in a wheelchair. She was unable to feed or take care of herself or move around. Prior to Dad’s cancer discovery which l found, l would sit at the nursing home with him as he made sure she was fed every meal. She several times told me about Dad being killed in a plane crash that was on the TV news. This was while Dad was seated next to her feeding her the food. It just broke my heart for him but he never complained.
When Dad had his surgery l would go to the hospital and stay at a motel for 3-4 days then go spend 2-3 days with my stepmom then one day at home.
I figured it was my duty because they fed me and took care of me when l was little and couldn’t take care of myself so l had to take care of them when they were unable to take care of their self.
I was beside my Mom, my Dad and my sister when each of them passed. I will never have any regrets. Just put your trust in God and that he put you in this situation for a reason.
As for me l have several nieces that live several states away so if l fall out I have a DNR and with any luck l will be somewhere in the woods or on the water and nobody will have to fuss over anything. Good luck to you.

I'm taking care of my parents and some days it's tough. But love gets me through it all. Mom has Alzheimers and was more difficult when she had dementia. Thankfully the dementia has past. Dad use to be able to take care of her but now has difficulty walking and is starting to have memory issues of his own. As you say it can be "taxing" . I found out you learn as you go. Ive also found out many of us go through this time in our life.
Hang in there LT GREY my prayers are with you and your loved ones.

My sister and her husband owned a home for dementia patients for many years, They cared for people in the final stages of life and made really good money at it, but after about 20+ years of doing it they just couldn't take it any more and just about snapped. They had to quit and sell the home. She told me they had 39 people die in their house over the years.

Have not gone through what you are but know the situation you describe and how it taxes those in your position

My grandmother had alzheimer's and it is a very cruel disease to those who have it as well as those around them

My MIL is 89 and in a nursing home because the amount of care she needs is more than we can provide 24/7

My wife quit her job 2 years ago to be able to assist her parents and it is a burden on her and to an extent I with all it involves.

I feel we owe as much as we can give back to parents since they provided for us

Prayers for you LT as you go through this with your loved one

Been there.
My Dad was perfectly lucid until the last couple days.
Started talking to LONG gone relatives like they were in the room with us.
Funny thing, I'm not sure they weren't.