Stories from Caregivers: Denine from WASHINGTON

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Denine

FROM WASHINGTON

I retired from my job where I worked for 23 years. Decided it was too difficult to hold down a 40 hour a week job and take care of my mother Arlene. She became partially disabled in march or April of 2013. Its a 24/7 job. I have two brothers but all the load fell on me. I've never been so busy in all my life. I'm also a heart patient and have to make myself sit down for a while and relax because I have to take good care of myself. I have cardio myopathy(weak heart). In order for a caregiver to stay on their feet, they have to keep themselves as well as possible. It's harder than being a parent to a child. Some people are set in their ways but they have to comply and put some of that pride away.

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