I do have extended family in the area—his 95-year-old mother, his sister, brother and brother-in-law, along with my aunt’s son and his family. So there’s a slight network there that definitely helps me out and that I can fall back on with venting/complaining (which is just going to happen when you’re a caretaker for…

I was 23 when my mom died; 10 years later, I’m dealing with a disabled 63-year-old father with mental issues (not illness, just complications from a series of strokes), and I absolutely agree with you. While I’m glad I still have my dad (and being an only child, he’s my “only family” left), I would much rather not…