Hello @megwill100 Nice to make your e-acquaintance here! I am so very sorry to hear of your, and your father's, health journeys.

I am Scott and I was my wife's caregiver for 14 years while she fought her battle with brain cancer. It must be very challenging for you to have to manage your care and worry about your dad too.

Caregiving is never an easy 'assignment' and always seems to come with some level of guilt even in the OK times, but when you get in those 'rock and a hard spot' situations the guilt can seem crushing. .

I know of no easy suggestion or answer, but can only say try and keep the guilt in check as you take on your own battles. Take pride in the care you were able to give your dad for so many years and know in your heart it must have made a huge difference to him! Easier said than done, I realize.

As a dad myself I would tell my own child to focus on themselves now...and not to feel guilty in doing so.

Strength and courage to you!

Hi Meg, Unfortunately guilt is an all too common emotion that many caregivers struggle with. I encourage you to share about this in the discussion Scott started. It is aptly named "The Caregivers' Guilt Dumpster - Open for business" http://mayocl.in/2cHbo19

I believe we all care to the best of our ability and yes we feel guilty because we can't continue with the family care giving.. But there is no need to feel guilty because circumstances happen and we are unable to "finish the care giving job we started. No guilt!
shortshot80 / Nancy