I throw huge amounts of pressure on myself, stress about everything. In two years my hair has started greying and thining. I feel like i am expected to care for my dad, but have never really had any say in it. Social services have been a let down. But also i'm a horridly anxious person, which I think is also used against me.
People always say things like, well you're giving back as your dad looked after you, like somehow caring for an adult with dementia is comparable with looking after a baby.
I'm at a different part of my life than many of you, not that it makes any real difference, but i'm in my early thirties, have only seen my girlfriend around a handful of times in person over the past year (covid played a major part in that as she also has an autoimmune condition) but even before that, having to ensure my sister could stay with dad so I could spend a night or two with my partner was a chore in itself.
I think the major problem with caring for an adult is help is just not sign posted, you need to call up constantly to get basic support, or things which you wouldnt think would be a problem becomes an issue. I have had to leave work on numerous occasions in the past as carers hadnt turned up, or dad's had medical emergencies. Holiday days are used up on appointments.
Amyway rant over!