I'm a caregiver to my only remaining parent (lost two). I feel burnt out even with him living in a community and getting help two days a week. I have my own health issues, two jobs, and feel like I've been the "parent" for more than 30 years (since I was 12). My dad only calls when he needs something. Isn't capable of a conversation other than to complain. Only cares how I'm doing because it impacts his own care (I'm sure this isn't TRUE but it's how it feels). I find myself avoiding him. And feeling guilty about it. Is this normal?
You have nothing to feel guilty about, you didn't make your dad old you didn't make him the way he is. Age happened , broken brain happened. You did cause this you have nothing to feel guilty about.
It sure sounds like you have done your share of caregiving in your life.
Don't feel guilty for avoiding him, you have done nothing wrong . Enjoy your life, shut your phone off and call him back when you want to not when he is demanding it.
Daughter of to vets? Does that mean your family is or was military, trust me that leads to even another element to there personality, and difficultness. I know this one. Welcome to are forum.
I bet you would not take each and every call.
I bet you would do exactly what you are doing...avoiding them
Your parent is in a community where he is able to get the help he needs.
Your parent is in a safe place
Maybe he needs help more than 2 days a week. Can that be arranged?
Tell your dad that you can help him on -------------and tell him what day is convenient for YOU.
Tell your dad that you can't take phone calls while you are working. Once you tell him that if he calls during your work hours let the call go to voicemail. If it is an emergency he can call 911.
You need to set BOUNDARIES and you need to tell him what those boundaries are and you need to stick to them.
This is for YOUR health.
If he can not manage day to day activities where he is with help a few days a week maybe he needs more help that he would get in an Assisted Living facility.
If he is competent, than you may need to be blunt. "Dad, I am sorry but I can't deal with your problems. I have my own. I work two jobs and I just can't come home to your complaining. Solve your problems yourself or stop complaining. " You also need to set boundaries. Tell him make a list of what he needs. You will call when you have time to get the items on the list. Can this person he has do this? If so, inform the person that they need to run errands for Dad. My nephew, disabled, has an aide once a week appts and outings are done that day. I am only involved when an appt can only be made another day.
Guilt requires causation. That is to say that guilt means that you cause something by evil intent and you, by evil intent, intend not to fix it.
You didn't cause aging for your parent.
You can't fix aging.
Your parent isn't your responsibility. Your responsibility is any minor children you have brought into this world and are caring for. Your husband who you made vows to.
You are a grownup. Honestly it comes down to whether you will continue to marinate in the past your parent created, or whether you grasp a new and better future. You may need psychological counseling in order to break free of habitual ways of acting and reacting. I highly recommend it. None of this silly online counseling; they get paid nothing and are worth less than that.
Good luck. It's your choice and up to you.
No matter HOW MUCH I did for my mother, she made sure I knew it wasn't nearly enough. How was I supposed to feel, knowing that? I was supposed to feel miserable and guilty but I didn't. I felt like she was never satisfied, even if I'd managed to put her up in the Palace of Versailles. She'd have complained the gold was tarnished. Not my problem.
In reality, I so wished for parents I felt close to. A mother I was friends with. But she made it impossible. Had we been friends, I'd have been able to see her often or even have her live with me. But the way things were, it was impossible. Due to HER ridiculous behaviors, not mine. We reap what we sow.
Don't internalize your father's issues and make them your own. Do what you can on the day you visit each week, then let it all go till the next visit.
Good luck.