I am 28 years old and a the caregiver for my 87 year old great-aunt. She moved in with my husband and I 2 and a half years ago. She has end stage Parkinson's Disease, has broken a hip, had multiple compound fractures in her back and neck, a pace maker,etc.We started hospice 2 days before Christmas (08). She has dementia and her confusion grows worse with every day. I also have a 2 year old who is a joy, and going through the terrible twos! I am busy, and sometimes very overwelmed. I love that I am getting to do this, it is just very,very hard. People don't understand that I can't do the things I use to do anymore, like run out and go to the grocery store,etc.... I can only leave when I have a sitter, or other family member with my aunt. She is bedbound, and I am doing a ton of lifting. She is a very petite woman, and doesn't weigh much, but my back feels the repetitiveness of the movements day in and out! Our hospice is wonderful and offers tons of resources, and support... I am so greatful for them! My family also helps me- but the emotional drain of her mental status is getting harder for me to accept. Some days she understands that she's not going to get better, and some days she thinks she'll be up walking again at the end of the week! She's even tried that a couple of times...she doesn't get very far, and I have to watch her carefully to make sure she doesn't hurt herself by trying to get up. Anyway, this is just part of my story... I'm going to try to include a picture of me, my little girl and my great-aunt on Christmas morning!