maryjoan, I just want to lend you my support today. I have similar emotions as you to my caring role, although the situation is completely different (I have cared for my dad, who now lives in a dementia care home). I care for him out of love and loyalty, but the 'system' has tested my resilience to the maximum. It has affected my health and my finances, and my overall wellbeing.
The people who are in a position to provide expert support (GPs, social care workers etc) have often in my case been the source of the most stress and frustration. For instance, this summer I had to move my dad from a residential care home to a dementia care home - despite begging several times for help in navigating the system (which in my area seems especially complicated and underfunded) I was pretty much left to do it myself. I was paid a lot of lip service and often conflicting advice, but it came down to myself having to battle for one of the very few dementia placements available.
I guess what I'm saying is that continual underfunding and disorganisation in the care system has a knock-on effect on carers, who do not get paid but often have the greatest burden* of all.
But you already know this! Good luck... and thanks for everything you're doing x
(*Sorry, I know some people dislike the word burden...).
The people who are in a position to provide expert support (GPs, social care workers etc) have often in my case been the source of the most stress and frustration. For instance, this summer I had to move my dad from a residential care home to a dementia care home - despite begging several times for help in navigating the system (which in my area seems especially complicated and underfunded) I was pretty much left to do it myself. I was paid a lot of lip service and often conflicting advice, but it came down to myself having to battle for one of the very few dementia placements available.
I guess what I'm saying is that continual underfunding and disorganisation in the care system has a knock-on effect on carers, who do not get paid but often have the greatest burden* of all.
But you already know this! Good luck... and thanks for everything you're doing x
(*Sorry, I know some people dislike the word burden...).