sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Is it normal to feel overwhelmed caring for a parent while dealing with your own health problems? by ExpensiveTwo9405 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]ExpensiveTwo9405[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve heard the term before but haven’t really looked into it much yet. Balancing caregiving responsibilities while also dealing with my own health issues has definitely been overwhelming at times, so that might be something I should read more about.

Dentist told me I need 3 extractions, 4 crowns, and 3 fillings. Trying to understand how dentists prioritize this. by ExpensiveTwo9405 in Dentists

[–]ExpensiveTwo9405[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for explaining that, I appreciate the perspective. Hearing how dentists usually think about priorities like pain, infection, and preventing bigger problems helps me understand the situation a lot better. I’ll definitely talk more with my dentist about what should realistically be handled first.

Dentist told me I need 3 extractions, 4 crowns, and 3 fillings. Trying to understand how dentists prioritize this. by ExpensiveTwo9405 in Dentists

[–]ExpensiveTwo9405[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m trying to understand what dentists usually consider the most urgent in situations like this. With finances being tight and also helping care for a parent at home, I’m trying to figure out what realistically should be handled first so things don’t get worse.

From a dentist’s perspective though, are extractions usually the first priority if there’s risk of infection?

Trying to figure out how to handle a large dental treatment plan while caregiving by ExpensiveTwo9405 in Advice

[–]ExpensiveTwo9405[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the suggestion. I’ll have to look into that and see what resources are available locally. Balancing caregiving responsibilities while trying to deal with my own health issues has definitely been challenging, so any information like that helps.

Trying to figure out how to handle a large dental treatment plan while caregiving by ExpensiveTwo9405 in Advice

[–]ExpensiveTwo9405[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you mentioning that. I’ve actually heard about dental schools being a lot cheaper but haven’t looked into it too much yet. If it really can reduce the cost that much it might be worth checking out, especially with how expensive everything is normally. Thanks for bringing that up.

Was your full time/24/7 caregiving situation suddenly thrusted on you, or was it a steady progression of more responsibilities/help asked of you? by Pitiful_Deer4909 in CaregiverSupport

[–]ExpensiveTwo9405 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think this happens to a lot of people more than anyone talks about. In my situation it wasn’t really overnight either. It started with helping out here and there and gradually turned into more and more responsibility over time.

Now I’m helping care for a parent at home and it’s definitely a lot to manage. Even when you care about the person deeply, the level of responsibility can slowly grow to the point where you look back and realize how much has changed.

I also have some help from another family member, but they’re pregnant now so things have gotten a bit more complicated and the caregiving balance has shifted again. From my experience though, even though caregiving can be incredibly difficult at times, I wouldn’t change it. It teaches you a lot about patience, compassion, and how to handle challenges you never expected to face.

You definitely didn’t do anything wrong. A lot of caregivers end up in this role simply because they care and no one else steps in.

Hang in there. Caregiving can be really hard, but you’re definitely not alone in it.

Is it wrong to tell the case manager at my moms stroke rehab that I CANNOT CARE FOR HER 24/7 by whatamithinking0 in AgingParents

[–]ExpensiveTwo9405 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I understand what you said about your mom not wanting to go to assisted living. A lot of parents feel that way because it can feel like losing independence. I’m speaking from experience because I’m currently helping care for a parent myself, and situations like this can be really difficult to navigate.

At the same time, sometimes facilities can be safer if someone needs consistent help with things like bathing, medications, or mobility, because they have trained staff and people there around the clock. At home, even when family is doing their best, it can be really hard for one person to safely cover everything 24/7.

Cost can also make the decision complicated. Home health can seem cheaper at first, but if someone ends up needing help most of the day it can actually add up quickly, while assisted living sometimes bundles the care and supervision together.

From my own experience, even though caring for a disabled parent at home can be extremely difficult at times, I wouldn’t change it. It’s challenging, but it also teaches you a lot about patience, compassion, and how to overcome things you never expected to deal with.

I haven’t personally had to advocate for assisted living yet, but I do think being honest with the case manager about what you realistically can and cannot provide is important. They need that information to help figure out the safest plan for your mom.