She moved in because of health debilitation's and financials. She is bed ridden for the most part due to rhuematoid arthritis, congestive heart failure and copd. ive had to stop my work to care for her around the clock, and now im unable to pay my rent. ive exhausted my savings by moving into a house that is on a ground floor(ive had an upstairs apt. for years]. i love my mom and dont mind caring for her, but 20 hour days are beginning to take its toll on myself
I agree that utilities should be addressed. Contact the providers; utilities with which I'm familiar have budget plans that allow for flat rates monthly to spread out the flux in seasonal usages.
Also check to see if you can get food assistance from places like Forgotten Harvest, Focus Hope, etc. Research your state government to see if there's an elder agency that can offer help. In Michigan, there's an excellent governmental agency that offers advice and assistance on getting help, including with food.
Contact local senior centers and inquire about their programs. Depending on your community, there may be a variety of organizations with which they're familiar but are otherwise unknown to the public.
There's also a group called Angel Ministries which offers advice on a variety of programs: http://www.angel-ministries.org/#/programs-calendar. This group used to provide food packages for flat rates, but in a quick check I didn't see that on their website. Some more checking would be in order if this might help.
Lighthouse agency also offers advice and some assistance on different issues. Google or other search engines will help you locate these in your area and state.
As to the physical and emotional drain, try to schedule periodic down times when you both can just put aside all the health issues and enjoy each other's company. Listen to music, just chat, play cards, dominos or do something relaxing. If you don't find time to recuperate, you'll end up emotionally and physically drained.
If you know any neighbors, ask if they or others have pets that could come and visit. Pet therapy will relax and refresh both you and your mother.
You mentioned stopping your work. Did you quit or are you off under FMLA?
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