Mom died 2 years ago, a year and a half ago I had dad move in. It was my idea but not my plan. We had just come off a couple years of caring for my dying SIL and moving my BIL into a home after his stroke (long distance). I promised mom I'd look after dad and it was always the underlying message they would eventuality move in with us when the time came. It arrived much sooner than we anticipated. My house is set up well enough that he has his own living room, bedroom and shared hall bath (when the kids come home). I took the reins of dad as my siblings wanted nothing to do with it. We get along OK except for his way or may way gets to be a pain after a while. So while it was my idea (didn't want to drive 7 hours each way every 2 weeks when my sibling is in the same town). Fast forward to 2 years later and I have such overwhelming guilt. My wife and I have the mantra that "your failure to plan does not constitute my emergency", but it seemed to fly right out the window. All he has is SSI to cover his bills but that is it. No savings or other assets so all is on me. I cant leave the house for extended periods of time (like a weekend away with my wife) without having someone watch his and my dog (he is capable just not willing). I'm afraid he would leave the house open, all the lights on and dishes everywhere. We get along OK but I tire of his me myself and I talk. I have tried to get him into places to get social (church, worked a little of lodge) but he makes excuses. He goes out for lunch a lot and doesn't think I know (I advised him to save his money and eat at home like I do (I Work at home). I cant have him do projects unless I set it up and do most of the work (he is a carpenter by trade and has all his tools here). Not sure why i feel so guilty, I set him up to be cared for and no worries and he gladly accepted it. So why do I have all the guilt? Is it not guilt is it something else? Anyone else feel this way?
You can't change him, you can only change your reaction to him. Perhaps some counselling?
Since you aren't happy with your dad living with you, then I would try to find a place that he may qualify for such as low income housing for the elderly. Maybe some distance would do you some good.
If can't do projects that you request, is there a reason? It age related decline or some dementia?
Many adult kids would do anything to get their senior parent to go out for lunch, but if your dad can't afford it, maybe he needs a budget. Does he pay rent to say in your house or share food and utility bills. Maybe if he carried that responsibility, you wouldn't feel so resentful.
Maybe, he didn't plan for his future, but that is water under the bridge. Maybe he lived paycheck to paycheck and didn't have $20.00 extra to put aside for retirement. Maybe he was a poor planner. I don't see that as moral issue. He may still be a good person. There are plenty of seniors who have retirement accounts who are miserable. Money doesn't equate to happiness.
Maybe you have been a caretaker for so long that you just need a break. You say you were a caretaker for your SIL and still are for a BIL who lives out of state. That would wear anyone out. Try to figure a way to get some time away from the responsibilities and see if it makes a difference. You need time for yourself.
I think guilt would be a big one. There are many negative feelings associated, but what about the positive ones? We are taught, I think, to look at and consider all of the negatives which is overwhelming. And in my case it wouldn't matter how many positives I could come up with that would not be sufficient to outweigh the negative.
You are relatively young, still working, do it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If it doesn't help, then at least you tried it. But for me, it made all the difference. An experienced therapist can help you sort out this guilt stuff.
And with insurance it costs me $15 per visit. Well worth it.
I did reach out to the church so he can get involved in another project committee which he can do, that will keep him busy and he can do it in an advisory role which he is good at (telling people what to do). Not too sure I need therapy but just need to realize he is a big baby that needs to be directed. I just need to relax a little................ at least try.