My parents have been in poor health for years, I have been living 800 miles away. Managing toget very little time off over the last few years to visit often. My mother has advanced alzhiemers, and my father cancer.I came home to help my dad put my mom in a home, and was in for a surprise, since the last time i had been there- the house had devolved- just pathways, not alot of gross trash, just stuff.My dad had also left an outdoor cat come in and have 2 litters of kittens (they are semi-feral, 7 of them). For the last year I have been taking time off to help, every 6 weeks I have been taking a week off work to clean the house, help with thier healthcare, and try to make progress in the house. This has gone on for 8 months - until my work replaced me and laid me off due to taking so much time off. (I tried to get FMLA- however like many things I have been trying to do to help my parents, my fathers doctor would not sign off, because my 81 year old father with stage 3 cancer can take care of himself) I have managed to get 80% of the living space cleared out- there is still an entire yard basement and garage. I now find myself having to move into this house to take care of my dad- my room is completely clean & I spend most of my time in it- when not trying to make progress in the rest of the house....I have tried to get help from the humane society to remove the cats from the house- I have tried to trap them, throw blankets on them and remove them- however no place will take them if I do catch them, as the humane society will not take them- they gave me harsh lectures on TNR and animal rights
I cannot catch these cats- they frighten me & I am a slave to my dads obsession with them- everyday I clean 8 litter boxes & clean up after them while still trying to make progress in the house. I have been trying to find support and help through the counsel on aging & various other orginizations for the various problems- house cats health etc.... The lack of support or even an advice to deal with these issues......At this point if feel overwhelmed, and depressed...
I have good intentions- but not sure I am helping or becoming like my dad. He recently had a heartattack and now i have the extra burden of worrying any improvements I make may hurt his health as he gets upset over talking about any of these issues.There seems to be no place to get help and advice in the community and Im not financially sound enough to hire an organizer, therapist , or life coach who could possibly be a support......
Also I now have & everthing I own smells like the house.....So awesome trying to get a job or have anyone treat you normal
Advice anyone? Hanging on by a thread....