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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

My brother thinks I’m retired because I’m no longer working when I’m actually out on long term disability and SSDI for rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, he thinks I should be the one to do all the work caring for our mother with Alzheimer’s disease, as well as my being female. I was able to sell her house and move her to assisted living near me. It’s still a lot of work managing her finances, medical, and every other need. Fortunately I have a very helpful and supportive husband. No other family… read more

April 10, 2021 (edited)
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Answer Summary

Members shared deep frustration over family members who misunderstand disability as retirement and expect them to shoulder all caregiving... Read more

Members shared deep frustration over family members who misunderstand disability as retirement and expect them to shoulder all caregiving duties for aging parents despite their own serious health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, with many describing siblings who refuse to help yet remain interested in inheritances. Several members offered emotional support and practical advice, including focusing on having no regrets about the care they provided, seeking support through programs like Celebrate Recovery, and considering family meetings or professional mediation to redistribute responsibilities more fairly. A recurring theme was the physical and emotional toll of being the default caregiver while managing a chronic illness, with members encouraging one another to prioritize their own health, set boundaries with family, and find strength in knowing they acted out of love rather than obligation.

A myRAteam Member

I did and yet they all came out if the woodwork to gather their share of inheritance ... overwhelming at its best

April 10, 2021
A myRAteam Member

I’m so sorry you also had all that responsibility with your mom without your brother’s help.
Can you have a meeting with your daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren about distributing responsibilities in the home as it’s all too much for you? Maybe a therapist or social worker can help you create a healthier situation for yourself. They may not like it at first because it’s a new behavior from you, but if you remain persistent about sticking up for yourself they will adjust to the new you with the new rules and work flow. Good luck and let us know how it works out. ❤️

April 11, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Look for Celebrate Recovery meeting near you. They can provide you with an excellent outlet for your feelings without judgment.

April 10, 2021
A myRAteam Member

Yes my mom was on hospice at my home and I took care of her for years in every way, my brother never helped and didn’t even go to her funeral, I had to take care of everything.. my daughter and her husband three children live here at my home and I do everything because she had back surgery and says she can’t but she goes all over with her friends worked construction ..

April 11, 2021
A myRAteam Member

I also have RA and PSA. Am on SSDI. My brother was helping with our mother. Now wants me to put her in assisted living. She has some dementia and 30% kidney function which doesnt help her any. This assisted living facility is 30 miles away so I'm going to have a drive everytime I need to go see her. I can totally understand where you're at with your family. It gets very difficult
Thank goodness you have a helpful and understanding husband
Mine doesnt help.

April 11, 2021

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