The toughest thing that Fernanda did was tell the doctors that she wasn’t able to care for her mother anymore at home.
Transcript
And then in that week she basically, not even one, it took more than one person to help her and so that week I did the toughest thing I’ve had to do, one of the toughest things. I went to the hospital and I said to them “Look, I just, I can’t fight anymore. I don’t have the capabilities of helping her,” because I was the one, even though she was in this independent living which was a condo—it was just for seniors, so they had a common area in on the ground floor where they would go and eat, but she had her own little apartment— so I went there and I used to go there before work pick her up for dialysis, drop her off. And I’m the one going to clean. I’m the one wash the clothes, I bathed her, I’d help into the shower and everything.
More from: Fernanda
More content
- Travelling, holidays and respite – FernandaWhen Fernanda is hiking in the mountains, there is no cell reception. Although she feels guilty, being unavailable is a relief.
- Hospitals and facilities – FernandaFernanda found good support from the client advocacy office, when her mother was in great pain without any specific treatment for it.
- Challenging emotions and feelings – Fernanda (2)When Fernanda’s mother went into a facility, Fernanda felt like she was betraying and abandoning her.
- Challenging emotions and feelings – FernandaFernanda’s social worker was a big help: she assured her that her negative feelings were normal.
- Effects of care recipients’ behaviour – FernandaFernanda appreciates her mother’s endurance and attitude. Nonetheless, it is sometimes difficult when she relies mostly on Fernanda and refuses other help that is offered to her.
- Caring for yourself – FernandaFernanda learned that you need to have time for fun. Still, it can be hard to take time for herself.
- Impact on professional life and career – FernandaFernanda asks employers to put themselves in the caregivers’ shoes; it is really hard to balance care and work.
- Impact on health – FernandaA social worker helped Fernanda find the skills she needs to cope with her situation.
- Providing support – FernandaThe toughest thing that Fernanda did was tell the doctors that she wasn’t able to care for her mother anymore at home.
- Society and caregiving – FernandaFernanda thinks it would be wonderful if people knew more about what it means to be a caregiver.