Hello from Asia

[thesinginglark]

Hello all,

I live in Singapore, South East Asia, and I am the sole caretaker of an ageing mother who has, in recent years, had to grapple with anxiety disorders. I'm trying hard to understand the drastic changes that assault her mind and her daily living and so I've come here to share with other members their experiences.

I've also got a brother who's now married but a ticking timebomb, which, I believe, stemmed from a long history of unforgiveness for my now deceased father. He gets bouts of extreme anger and bitterness which he is unable to control.

While I stand by the sidelines and watch the situations at home develop, I look to the community to offer advice, support, and ideas by which I am able to care for the ones I love.

[karai]

Hi singinglark,
Welcome to this invaluable site! I am also a caregiver to my mom, but I have 2 other sisters who share the responsibility. I have a lot of anger issues over our caregiving schedule but my brother helps a lot by being a companion to my mom so I don't have to be at her bedside constantly. It's unfortunate that your brother has problems and cannot, or may not want to, relieve you of some of the caregiving duties. It is very important that you take some time off for yourself. If hiring a nurse is not possible, are there other relatives who can help you out for a few days/hours a week? Have you checked on any government programs that you can qualify for? Taking time off for yourself will not only help you to relieve a lot of stress, but to also better deal with your brother's condition too. Good luck and I hope you find the help that you need.