Feeling Trapped

by Carol
(SC)

I am primary caregiver of my 85 year old mother. I have two sisters and one brother. My younger sister lives with my mom, but goes to school in daytime and works second shift at night.My brother lives out of town, but contributes financially. My other sister works part time and her husband is recovering from cancer surgery.

I do all the running around, doctors, groceries, medications, meals... I feel like my life has been put on hold while everyone else goes on with theirs. Right now Mom is in rehab for broken hip and I am worried about how that's going to turn out.

My sister lives there free of charge and doesn't do anything to help clean.Now I have to go clean the house before Mom comes home when I don't even feel like cleaning my own.

I have not taken a vacation or done anything for myself because they don't know enough about her medical situation to where I feel comfortable leaving.And the guilt that I feel because I feel this way is eating me alive! My brother told me that I shouldn't care so much. Is that the answer, stop caring? I couldn't if I tried. I'm not that kind of person. He told me that I have put myself in this situation by spoiling her.

Who else can she depend on, certainly not them! I don't know what to do with the anger and frustration and it's getting worse. Someone please help!