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Cargiving and Working

Posted by jjschmerer @jjschmerer, Dec 21, 2025

Hi all! Completely new to support groups. So, hope this helps me.

I am 45 yrs old and have been caring for my Mom and Dad for the past 7+ yrs. Its been some really really trying times for me. I have literaly put my life on hold and I am getting worn out, tired, and scared. I myself have a disability and I am getting lots of medical help. I need to work for my mental health and also for me to get back in the job market and make some money. But, how do you do that while cargiving? I am so scared that without me my parents will not do what they need to do.

I am going through a lot right now as a caregiver and trying to figure my life out after 7+ yrs and going is so hard. So much I am afraid of but I know I need to work. I just am not sure what that means for my parents and how do I go about looking for work? Is full-time or part-time better?

Signed,

Confused and scared but someone that loves his parents beyond galaxies. I love them so much!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers Support Group.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jan 10 4:01pm
In reply to @jjschmerer "@babbsjoy We are working in it. I love them so much. Money is a big big..." + (show)
Profile picture for jjschmerer @jjschmerer

@babbsjoy We are working in it. I love them so much. Money is a big big issue for us right now and we are looking for help in different places.

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@jjschmerer , I just saw your message about financial constraints and wanted to let you know about a service called FindHelp.

FindHelp https://www.findhelp.org/ is a resource directory that helps people find and connect to social services in their area. Services include food pantries, legal services, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more. Just enter your Zip code.

There are many low cost, no cost services in the FindHelp directory that may be helpful for you in your search for caregiving assistance.

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jjschmerer | @jjschmerer | Jan 10 5:18pm

I have heard of it and took a look. Lots of good information. Thank you! Saw a few things to take advantage of already. Thank you!

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jjschmerer | @jjschmerer | Jan 10 5:22pm
In reply to @sillyblone "Have you thought about a home job?" + (show)
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Have you thought about a home job?

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@sillyblone Actually yes. I am looking to write for a blog or magazine. I am looking and submitting writing samples now.

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jjschmerer | @jjschmerer | Jan 10 5:23pm
In reply to @caregiverx2 "For five years, I worked full-time and took care of my sister who had ALS. Our..." + (show)
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For five years, I worked full-time and took care of my sister who had ALS. Our local council on Aging was a God send. We were referred to them through Elder Source. We were provided a CNA for 40 hours a week. It didn't quite cover all of my time for work because of travel time and lunch breaks, but it helped tremendously. I was then able to find a lady locally to cover the rest of the hours. I would check with Elder Source to see if your parents qualify and what services are in your area.

Being a caregiver is hard. Good luck to you and I hope you find a way to balance your life and caregiving.

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@caregiverx2 we are and talking to a few other organizations as well.

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jjschmerer | @jjschmerer | Jan 10 5:26pm
In reply to @marianne0707 "Dear Confused As a cna who has cared for family members all of my life in..." + (show)
Profile picture for marianne0707 @marianne0707

Dear Confused
As a cna who has cared for family members all of my life in addition to earning a college degree, my suggestion is to find an agency on aging & see what options they can offer to you & your parents. Recently there was a program started that if you live in the home that you are caring for your parents then you could be paid for your caregiving. Or if you had, let’s say, a CNA live in the home of your parents, then she could be paid by an agency for caring for your parents. Please let them stay in their own home as long as possible & bring everyone to them! That’s what my Mom who was a RN always said! God bless you & praying for a wonderful new year!!❤️🙏🏼Mary CNA BLS CT

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@marianne0707 We are trying. Mom has a Dr that comes to the house. Dad's Doctor's are close by so that is good. We want them home as long as humanly possible.

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