I became my brother’s caregiver in 2021. We’re 3 years apart, so I guess you could say we’ve always bonded. Our parents are aging, and their mental health is declining, so I guess I always …
Caregiver Confessions
Showing: 1 - 10 of 14 Articles
I Have No Identity Outside of Being a Caregiver
Last month, a coworker of mine asked me what I did outside of work for fun or just in general. After I gave my answer, he asked me what I did that did not involve …
I Am Struggling Financially
I am struggling financially and I am hiding it from my friends and family. Shame or guilt, maybe? I am not sure. I just have not been able to ask for help. I knew taking …
The Life That Could Have Been
I regularly sit and fantasize about the life that could have been…meaning, what my life would have been like if I was not a caregiver. I mourn the life that could have been. Throughout the …
I Am Scared My Child Will Have A Disability
I just found out that I am pregnant, and I am feeling excited and terrified at the same time. My husband wants to tell his family, but I am not ready to have these conversations …
I Feel Unloved & Unappreciated
I live with my mom and my sister who has Down Syndrome. I do all the shopping and cooking, plus other chores around the house. Also, my own physical health is not the best. Despite …
Caring For My Child Consumes Me
I am an older parent to a son who has Down’s Syndrome. I feel like all of my time and attention are consumed by my son, leaving my daughter, my husband and not to mention …
I Get Tired of Advocating for My Child
There are moments when I run out of steam. Times when I am so fed up with people’s ignorance and the lack of resources for persons with Down Syndrome. There are times when I get …
I Do Not Want To Be A Caregiver
I never asked for this. I am a sibling who over time became the primary caregiver for my younger sister who has Down Syndrome. I have no children of my own and I am not …
Whenever I See Other Sibs, I Feel Sad for Them
Whenever I see other Sibs, especially young children I feel sad. I worry about their future. I worry if their parent(s) is/are doing all they can to give that child, the one without the disability, …