I caregive my Aunt (90yrs young), along with my parents (94 &95). My Aunt has had some health issues but we face them and now she has a Primary along with 5 Specialists. All of her Drs tell her she is in great shape, yet she says she doesn't want to hear that. Her blood work is that of a person in their 40's, she hears, sees, eats, poops, sleeps etc. YET, everyday there is something wrong with all that is being cared for. At 90 she had a total knee replacement. In 2 weeks time she was home from rehab, walking, able to bend her knee 100%, Dr, therapist etc...could not believe her. Almost one year later she now says the ortho put in too large a knee for her body. She doesn't want to walk, throws her leg so she doesn't bend it...went to the ortho and he said "you are better than you think you are"...she now does not like that Dr and said she did not like what he told her. Her cardiologist just told her the same thing..."you are in great shape...she now doesn't want to see him. She was just cleared for a "bladder pacemaker" for incontinance, all Dr.s said she was a "low risk" patient for any type of surgery. All went well and now during the trial period she is turning it off...like she doesn't want it to help her. I have run out of patience in talking her through these issues. I try and give her support and lead her towards looking at the positive. I feel like she sits and tries to think of ways to make herself needy, old and my main focus. Her mind is her biggest problem. I have puzzles, books, knitting, I take them out for drives, meals include them with my friends, eat dinner with them every night. I live with her 24/7 and have not taken any time away from them since 2008. Maybe, I have them spoiled and way too dependent on me...I am so tired of negativity?????
You should definitely take time for yourself, and stop spoiling the patients. Good luck!