molliaj
New member
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2007
- Messages
- 1
- Reason
- CALS
- Country
- US
- State
- California
- City
- Williams
Hi - My dad has had ALS since 1989. I started taking care of him when I was 23. I'm now 39 and recently relocated him from my home into town to an apartment with a live-in and a p/t caregiver. My family rallied around to get him into the apartment (no easy feat - he's got a brilliant mind and is a collector of all things) but now they've pretty much disappeared. My brother and father are no longer speaking which makes things harder. I visit daily to bring mail, newspaper and laundry. He seems to be losing his will to live and I feel terrible about it. There is no way I could go back to our previous situation though - I was way past burnout. I'm on meds, see a shrink and my mom insists I need counselling to deal with all of it. My past experience with counselling wasn't so positive - I kept getting told that he was terminal and that I was stressed - it was temporary. Not so. Are any other caregivers getting counselling that helps? I did see an ad once for a counseller who specializes in caregiving issues (Chico, CA) but can't find now. Any suggestions would be welcome. Thanks!