In this episode, Jennifer Richey and Denise Brown answer these questions:

** Question No. 1 **
I am the sole caregiver of my partner of 30 years who started suffering from dementia five years ago. I am at a point where I do nothing all day if I can avoid it. I read compulsively. I start stressing days ahead of when I know I’ll have to make a trip to town -- 40 miles roundtrip for groceries, etc.

My partner doesn’t require me to be on my feet all day. He just lays in his chair and listens to audiobooks. He can still make his way to the bathroom and back with his walker. I just make sure he has his meals and meds at certain times. Right now, he is dealing with a back injury due to a fall. When his back is better, it’ll be either his teeth or his stomach we are dealing with. I don’t have enough energy to clean the house, cook good meals, do laundry or take care of the truck.

I dread having to do anything or think about anything. I have become an absolutely worthless human being. It takes everything I have in the way of energy to just feed him, take care of the animals, the bills and groceries, etc. How can I be so tired when I am doing less and less every day? I am so ashamed of myself. -- Caregiver Not Good Enough

Additional Resources for Question No. 1

We also would suggest the following for this Letter Writer:

• Make an appointment with your doctor for a complete physical. Let your physician know about the caregiving stress you're experiencing.
• Our Daily Recovery Plan course can help you create plans so you take down time. It's free!

** Question No. 2 **
I am a caregiver for my 97-year-old mother. I have grown children and I am divorced.

I am currently employed but my role will be changing soon and requiring travel. I cannot travel which means I need to find another job. I’m 60 and am concerned that I will not find a remote opportunity with benefits that I need to maintain my health.

Do you have any advice as I start this journey?

Resources

We hosted two events to help you plan to take a temporary leave and then return to work:

• Planning Your Temporary Career Leave
• Planning Your Return to Work

** Question No. 3 **
I’d like to start sharing on social media about caring for my spouse. I’m concerned, though, about sharing something that I may regret later. How do I figure out how to share my story without over-sharing?

Your Thoughts

What insights would you add to our answers? We'd love to hear your experiences.

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To reach Jennifer, visit her website: BecomingBraveCoaching.com.

To connect with Denise and receive support for your situation, join us on CaringOurWay.com. To purchase Denise's books, visit http://bit.ly/caringbooks.
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Register to join us for our monthly event via our community, CaringOurWay.com: https://join.caringourway.com/spaces/9306896/events/caregiver-support-live/list

Ask us a question to answer live during our next show by emailing questions@caringourway.com.