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Caregiving: I’m frustrated and exhausted.

Caregivers | Last Active: Mar 27, 2022 | Replies (223)

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@ls1313

Hi! I’m a caregiver to 2 adult children who were exposed to alcohol before birth. Our daughter’s mom did street drugs, alcohol, homeless & gave birth to a 3#12oz girl. We adopted her at 25 months, 15 pounds & 27” tall. Our son wasn’t exposed to as much, but it was enough to kill his executive function, he can’t read (5th grade level), write (4th grade level or deal with numbers (5th grade). He’s a senior in high school. So I care for them, plus I care for myself, having fibromyalgia, diabetes 2, chronic vertigo (13 years), one dead ear from the acoustic neuroma that caused the vertigo, severe hearing loss in the ear that works, etc. My husband has the insurance for us & works his tail off for it. Our daughter got SSI, Medicaid & her food card on the first try. I don’t know what to do with her. She only wants to volunteer at one place—our vet. There’s a LONG list of people who want to do that. Plus, she only 4’11” & c98 pounds. So I’m the care giver, problem solver, mom to 2 Russians. We stand for the Ukraine here.

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Replies to "Hi! I’m a caregiver to 2 adult children who were exposed to alcohol before birth. Our..."

Wow! You have a tremendous load, as does your husband. I am so happy to hear that the two of you were able to undertake raising two very challenged children - I have just a little understanding of what you have been through, after watching my brother raise his autistic grandson and continuing to support him into adulthood. I am especially familiar with the lack of executive function. May I ask if you live in a metropolitan area? Now that Covid is beginning to relax its grip, you might be able to find some community support yo relieve your 24/7 burden.

I am sure your kids have received special services in school, does the support staff have any suggestion of resources for you? Also, do you have an animal humane society or rescue in your area that could interest your daughter? Finally, can you qualify for weekly respite care for a few hours so that you can get out of the house alone?
If nothing else, you have found a place with others facing your situation, who can offer a listening ear.
Sue