I need someone to talk to.

Please feel free to talk to me anytime you need to talk about your situation.

My mom had a stroke and is in constant need of care, so I have an idea what you're going through.

I understand your frustration. My mother and brother moved in with my family 3 years ago. My brother is mentally challenged and since moving in my mother is now residing in an assisted living community. I am now my brother's caregiver or as my kids referred to it his alave. My brother is 48 years old and has been pampered his entire life. I have raised my 3 kids by myself and worked full time as a special ed teacher. I feel for you. It is not easy and support systems arent in place. Have you contacted your local Mental Health/ Retardation office? Here they have helped a little bit with programs and employment. Keep on writing it helps

Granola, I hope you are in communication with your state's service system for developmentally delayed adults. If he is not receiving supports, you want to get him on any wait lists necessary. In the meantime, someone from that office should be able to tell you of any community resources that you/he may benefit from such as social and recreational activities that are often for a small fee. Kiwanis and other similar civic groups often have activities for folks. Let us know how you're doing.

HI. I am a 40 year old mom of 5 children, my youngest who is 15 months old has down syndrome. Will be here if you need to vent...

Hello.. Just wanted to let you know that I too am willing to lend an ear. I am a 38yr old mother of 4.. My youngest is now 3 1/2yrs old and he has Down Syndrome. I think its great that you have taken on the responsibility of caring for your cousin.. There are far too many people in this world that, given the choice, would not step up and do it.

It is life changing to say the least to have a loved one with DS. They can bring you great joy with their loving, carefree nature and teach you to love more than you knew you could possibly love. You may find your outlook on the world and life all has changed just by experiencing that joy.

However, on the same note I have to say that there are and will be moments as well as days that it can be very challenging. (Especially if you are raising them alone) There undoubtedly be days that you will question your ability to cope.. Though I myself find that the good days outnumber the difficult ones by far!

This is a great site to come to when you need support, advice, encouragement or just to know what someone else understands.

Best wishes to you both.. =-)

Hi everyone, I am new to the group. My daughter is 21 and has down syndrome, It is always a learning experience. I found that if you start from a very early age teaching them to do things on their own, it is the best way to go. As one of you said earlier they take great pride in what they do and strive to please. It has definetly been a challenge but she is my gift from God. The way I see it is my challenge is nothing compared to hers. Good luck everyone

hello everyone, i am a caregiver too, only to some other kinds of disabled people and i too am willing to listen. my brother has cerebral palsy and they told my mom that he would never be self sufficient and today he drives a vehicle and works as a greeter at walmart! good on him! but it was a long haul on my mom who we all take care of today and what a tremendous reward this has been to the family to see him grow to this extent.

i now take care of twin sons who have skizophrenia and a head injured husband. i have found that at my age, and i believe any age, or i would not have the health issues i have, that taking care of me is a number one priority. long early am walks, writing on this site, prayers, a long shower, these are only a couple of things i do to make myself feel normal and better and cope with the demands of my caregiving tasks. it is not as demanding as raising small children that is for sure, but had i taken care of myself as a young woman would i have avoided the fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and diabetes? maybe.

increasing my prayers, and talking to God is an important issue for me as well and as i go about my day i frequently talk to God and tell HIm my troubles and seek for guidance dnd ask for assistance.

i wish you all the best and will be following these posts for awhile and look in on you all to see how you are doing. i reall care about your wellness and comfort. with faith and hope and loving kindness, a prayer warrior