Hi. I’m Valleen. I am a single mom and caring for my mother who more than likely has dementia of some sort. I am financially responsible for everything and need some help because I really can’t keep up. I work. I am a subcontractor in telecommunications. I am grateful for this job because it helps with the schedule I need to keep for my son and mom. I am trying to be present as a mother, but it’s hard to take on my bills, responsibilities, and someone else ..as well as entertain and parent my parent. Getting a second job seems impossible until I know if the next step is to be a caregiver to my mother. I would like to get my kid into activities so he has more structure but even that is impossible to do financially. 

The father of my child has no involvement (his choice) and suddenly stopped paying child support monthly. Not that it’ll impact our lives, but it doesn’t help.

And with that, I am having a hard time trying to get my mother a diagnosis so we can take the next steps. I pay out of pocket for her hormone replacement therapy and bloodwork for her hypothyroidism. I cover her phone bill, food, meds, vitamins and whatever else she needs.

I’ve been struggling just getting food stamps, and she’s too young for Medicare. Also, apparently too young for her SSI. She will be 61 in July.

I got us a tiny townhouse. 2 bedroom. The kid has a room and mom has a room. She needs it since she hides things out of paranoia and loses them.. then blames me for “stealing” her tweezers, towels, jewelry or a jewelry box I am completely clueless to.

I sleep on the couch in the living room. It’s been exhausting, and I feel alone in this because the weight sits heavy on my shoulders, but I know there is help and relief somewhere.

I am getting as many answers as I can while trying to keep my sanity and physical health good. I barely get breaks, and it’s way too much for one person.

Any help would be great. Just want to get mom diagnosed and be able to keep up with bills. I am one income, and I know it’s nobody else’s problem, but this is all I can really do until I figure out the rest. Thank you for listening!