20 year old caregivers

Stephanie313
Stephanie313 Member Posts: 5
edited March 2014 in Caregivers #1
Im 20 years old and am a caregiver for my grandfather. He has COPD, emphazema, CHF, and dementia. As a caregiver, how do you deal with the stress that comes with taking care of a loved one? What do you do when it feels overwhelming? Im still really young and I dont know how to deal with all of it.

Comments

  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member
    stress
    Stephanie,

    My first question is where is the rest of your family? Are you saying you are his primary caregiver or his only caregiver?

    You are on the cancer survivors network for a reason: what is the cancer your grandfather has? And what is his prognosis, Stephanie - how long do they expect him to live - is this terminal cancer or one for which he is receiving treatment?

    Tell us more and there are many people who will come forward to post information for you.

    Hugs.
  • Stephanie313
    Stephanie313 Member Posts: 5

    stress
    Stephanie,

    My first question is where is the rest of your family? Are you saying you are his primary caregiver or his only caregiver?

    You are on the cancer survivors network for a reason: what is the cancer your grandfather has? And what is his prognosis, Stephanie - how long do they expect him to live - is this terminal cancer or one for which he is receiving treatment?

    Tell us more and there are many people who will come forward to post information for you.

    Hugs.

    The rest of the family is
    The rest of the family is off doing whatever they want. Im his primary caregiver... I have an aid to come and stay with him for a couple of hours a day. Other than his aid I have no help. My grandfather doesnt have cancer but I came here because I cant find anyplace else to go. He has less than 10% of his lungs and less than 35% of his heart functioning. There is no treatment for him because he is now in the final stages. The doctors are giving him 2 weeks. Im just lost. I dont know how to comfort him or deal with my own stress.
  • Noellesmom
    Noellesmom Member Posts: 1,859 Member

    The rest of the family is
    The rest of the family is off doing whatever they want. Im his primary caregiver... I have an aid to come and stay with him for a couple of hours a day. Other than his aid I have no help. My grandfather doesnt have cancer but I came here because I cant find anyplace else to go. He has less than 10% of his lungs and less than 35% of his heart functioning. There is no treatment for him because he is now in the final stages. The doctors are giving him 2 weeks. Im just lost. I dont know how to comfort him or deal with my own stress.

    Two weeks
    Is just an estimate. Try to remember that.

    It is good to come here, Stephanie. I know this is so hard for you.

    If you have a church close by, or a minister or friend who can be with you during this, please use this resource. You don't have to go through this alone.

    If your grandfather has a prognosis of two weeks, please contact hospice. They will come to your home (or the hospital, in some cases) and help you through this very difficult time.

    I will be praying for you and your grandfather, and for your family who is failing to be part of this very significant time in your life and your grandfather's, Stephanie.

    Please come back here and let us know how you are doing.

    Hugs.