Stories from Caregivers: Linda from NORTH CAROLINA
NC
Linda
FROM NORTH CAROLINA
I have cared for parents of both myself and my spouse prior to their deaths with two of them living in our home until they passed away. Then my only sister developed ovarian cancer and passed away at our home. Her adult mentally handicapped child was left with no one to care for her. Her father has been out of the picture since she was a young child and we have no clue if he is dead or alive. Prior to my sister's death she ask me to take care of Ka and I am blessed that I have a husband who is very patient and supportive and agreed to this. Ka will turn 50 on July 3 but is like a 10 or 11 year old child. It is very hard at times to keep the promise to my sister because literally my husband and I will have her with us as long as we are able physically to take care of her. We coordinate taking her to appointments and shopping. I still work full time as a home health RN but he is retired. Taking care of aging parents was easy compared to the psychological effects of taking care of a mentally handicapped adult. We have been blessed that our county has an adult day care called The Friendship Center that we were able to get her involved in during the day. I'm not sure my husband could mentally handle having her around all day every day while I am at work. Ka calls this "going to school" and gets herself up and ready each morning to go. This is paid for with her Medicaid in North Carolina. Caregiving is hard, emotionally and physically but when you feel morally bound by a promise then you do what you have to do.
