i am very stressed ,tired and depressed but she depends on me completely and i cant let her down because her kids refuse to help they are putting it all on me i do not know what to do because i promised my patient i wouldnt leave her because she trusts me and she will not allow anyone else to care for "personal" needs. i love her very much but i & my life is falling apart trying to keep my promise to her
If you are independent, contact the social worker at your local Visiting Nurse Association or Aging Services -- explain the dilemma and ask for help. If you don't have either of these agencies locally, contact the social worker at the hospital. Social workers are the most likely professionals to have an idea what your options are --- they're care coordinators.
It goes without saying that if you work for an agency, you need to contact your supervisor and work with her on resolving this problem.
You are a wonderful, caring person. I do not mean to discourage your generous instincts, and I hope you can continue to bring comfort to your friend as long as she lives. You just need to do it a way that allows you to maintain your own life. If her children won't get involved, that is not your fault or your responsibility. Turn it over to social services and continue to do your part -- not 24/7!
Pls.contact a lawyer to evaluate your position, your rights and your on-going responsibilities. Are there papers available?....i.e. Will, Living Will, Directives?, POA? Are you being paid by the patient? her family? or a third party? How are you paid? check, auto deposits, cash? Lots of questions here.