“You look tired” Funny that.
Only child, single parent, full time worker, living with my own disability. Carer for Mum with complex health issues and teen with rare condition. The other child, little time to give them the attention they deserve unfortunately.
Always juggling, constantly struggling.
Can’t afford the things we need to keep Mum safe and happy at home, can’t afford to move her into residential care. Specialists look at only their specialty, not the whole person. GP is overwhelmed. Bouncing in and out of hospital. The kids say I’m a better person when Mum isn’t home, I completely agree – she’s safe, fed, medicated and monitored – so I can worry less and sleep better. Work productivity improves with less juggle. Relationship with my kids improves with less stress and struggle. The term Informal Carer is insulting – this is my life now, nothing informal about it. Carer burnout is very very real. It’s a 24/7 job on top of all the other normal commitments of life.
Yeah, I do look tired – I am.