
Help a Devoted Caregiver and Their Injured Mom
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It all started April 28, 2021. I had a great full time job with benefits at the time. My mom was hit by a car when she was riding her bicycle. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, 9 broken ribs, and broken ankle and knee. When I say she suffered a traumatic brain injury, her head was sliced open and the right side of her head was sunken in at least 2-3 inches. She should be dead, but it is only by the grace of God that she's alive. So I have been taking care of her by myself ever since. It's extremely hard because I don't have any family that can help. Because of her injuries she can't take care of herself like a normal person. For the past three and a half years I have been in and out of a job because her injuries require that much attention. I've done everything to get disability for her and make myself a paid relative caregiver but it's taking too long to receive help. I recently had car troubles all at once. I had to get a sensor replaced, my oil changed, and my brakes and rotor fixed. Back to back, I had big car expenses that I had to take care of. I was working full time but I can't afford rent anymore. To avoid eviction I had to turn my keys in. I made arrangements to live in my car with my mom. I've tried everything, I've looked at shelters, cheaper places to live, better jobs, government resources, church resources, I have used everything and I'm at the end now. I don't know what else to do. My mom and I have figured out a system to live in our car but we live in Florida. It's hot, and my mom is in pain all the time. The car is not ideal for her. If she can't sleep she might have another mental episode and I really don't want another episode. She's had 6 already and I don't want to Baker Act her again. And she was violent in her episodes so I don't want her to try and kill me again. It wasn't her fault, she wasn't in her right mind. She got hit by a car. But we are homeless now, ultimately because my mom was hit by a car, and a series of unfortunate events just kept happening after. I don't want to die in this hot car and I don't want my mom to go through this either. She's been through enough in her life. I just need help please. I'm trying but I need help and I don't know what else to do. I've been a solo caregiver for three and a half years now and I don't know how much longer I can hold on. I'm so tired. Please help.
Organizer
Dorothy Hopkins
Organizer
Cocoa, FL