Family First Caregiving Support Needed

The responsibility of helping my mom recover was solely on me. For about six months, I drove her everywhere and was with her 24/7. Although that time was stressful, it deepened my appreciation for my mother. Those of you who have experienced caregiving for a loved one know how caring for someone we love dearly can absorb you. I was walking in my mother's shoes. And oh boy, that woman did so MUCH for her family, including many "small" things that went unnoticed. During the first few months, I would be amazed at the amount of work it took to complete all of her tasks.  I would go to bed exhausted with muscle soreness and the perpetual worry that I wasn't doing enough for her. I became an in-home nurse, a physical therapist, a cook, and her cheerleader. I made sure she stuck to her medication regimen and diet. I researched and did all the at-home physical therapy to ensure she recovered her mobility, strength and independence. I took over the household's everyday things, such as cleaning, cooking, paying bills, etc. 

In addition to helping my mother recover, I was tasked with sorting through 10+ years of home "stuff" packed in our garage which led me to become aware of many minor repairs needed around her home, I took on  minor repairs such as painting and patching walls, deep cleaning carpet,  organizing ten years of accumulated personal paperwork and many items around my mother's house. Admittedly, I completed all of these tasks fearing the worst, -- to place my mom in an assisted living arrangement if her care required skills I couldn't learn. Thank God for Google and YouTube, though. I read or watched videos about whatever I needed to know. I was able to find resources for every situation that came up. This absorbed my time, and my mother's recovery became my number one priority. I was lucky to sleep 3 hours a night, if at all. Because my mother does not have health insurance, all expenses come out of pocket hence why I took on so many different types of roles. Taking over rent, food, car, and living costs was difficult for me, mainly because I could not keep my job given the time demanded of me to help my mother recover. 

I made decisions guided by my love for my mother and my sense of responsibility to my family. I have used my savings and credit cards to pay for things. I don't regret the decisions I made to help my mother, even if today I find myself in crippling economic hardship. Today, I am exhausted but must press on. The coronavirus pandemic did not help our situation either. We experienced the loss of my grandmother and two cousins as well as job loss. 

I have never asked for help of this nature before. However, I have exhausted all my options for use. And I need help. I need to raise $4,500 to pay for living expenses for this December month. My new remote job that begins in January will allow me to remain at home to continue caring for my mother while bringing in a stable income. Until then, we are struggling financially. My immediate family is unable to help. I am simply a loving son attempting to help his mother in all the ways she has helped me. To all those out there who understand the sacrifices our parents have made for us and would be willing to do the same for them, I appreciate any support you can offer.