Lea from Wisconsin

I was a nurse educator and I retired in 2013. I am also a breast cancer survivor. My 79 year old husband Roger who has a PhD in English had a fairly severe stroke a year ago which affected his right arm and leg and his speech. I've been his caregiver since then. I'm "on duty" now from 8am to 10pm and "on call" from 10pm to 8am, seven days a week with no days off or holidays. For all this care, I'm paid nothing. Although his care is not difficult, it is constant with no "down time" - no time that I'm not thinking about my "job". The way he is now is probably the way he will be for the rest of his life - so I know our lives will not get better - this is it. Fortunately, I adore my husband of 51 years. and fortunately his brain is intact. He talks "stroke" and I now can understand this new language - and we both laugh at some of the outrageous things he says. The costs of his care are outrageous and my hope is that we might have legislation in Wisconsin that could give tax credits for families like mine that provide 24/7 care giving. I also would love to be part of a support group - so that I can learn from others, have someone to vent with who understands what I'm going through, and maybe provide some support to others.