Hi All

I'm in a similar situation, looking after my aged father who is being kept alive by countless different meds. The trouble these days is that people are kept alive longer and longer but with no quality of life to speak of. My father is housebound now and I have to do all his shopping, housework, some personal care, etc in addition to working part-time and keeping my own home (which is in a mess, too). My family have moved away or just don't visit or telephone him, so I am on my own. The local Social Services won't help as they say he's got family (that's me) to care for his needs. I haven't been able to take a holiday since he had his heart attack ten years ago.

What is the answer? I have no idea.

But of this I am sure - I will never, ever, be a burden to my family - I'll go into a care home if I become incapable of looking after myself, an idea my father absolutely refuses to entertain.

FG