Friend turned caregiver
Hi. I became friends with Catrina years ago. I am old enough to be her mother. We would see each other from time to time over the years, we both had busy lives. We became re-acquainted 4 years ago when she moved to the same small town I live in.
Catrina was diagnosed in 2004. She is 33 years old now. She has a 14-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son. Her husband of 14 years turned tail and ran, with Catrina's former health care provider no less, and there has been a divorce and all that goes along with that. She has no family.
This role of friend turned caregiver has developed gradually, but here I am. I have a shot back and take care of my 2-year-old granddaughter and help Catrina as much as I can. I have no background in caregiving, other than with my children, and do the best I can.
I have recently realized that I'm it for this sweet friend of my mine in a terrible position! I find myself worrying about her like a mother and decided that if I was going to be in this, I was going to step in all the way! So all the help and information I can get will be great.
We are just now coming into her not being able to stand very well and her hands and arms have just given up cooperating! Her breathing is becoming tough at times and fatigue over the smallest things, mental or otherwise, is becoming more and more common. I love this kid like a daughter and want to be a help, not a hindrance. Some guidance as to how to proceed now that I'm "in" would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.