My dad calls me lazy and a failure – even though I’m his full-time carer

DEAR DEIDRE: MY dad calls me a lazy, work-shy failure – even though I’m his full-time carer.

He doesn’t appreciate what I do for him at all, and constantly nags me to get a proper job.

I’m 50 and he’s 78. We lost my mum a few years ago, and since then he has really declined.

He’s lonely and has severe arthritis, and I think he’s also beginning to get dementia.

Two years ago, I took voluntary redundancy to become his carer.

I do everything for him – the cooking, cleaning, gardening and shopping, as well as his personal care and admin.

I don’t get a minute for myself.

But he seems to think I should be out there looking for a job.

He believes care work is for women, not men.

When I tell him he won’t manage on his own, he says he will.

Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.

You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.

I don’t need to work. I have lots of savings.

But being put down every day is really getting to me.

DEIDRE'S STORIES

Tim keeps it in the family as he flirts with his step-daughter

DEAR DEIDRE

TOLD HIM TO STOP

BOOZE CRISIS

DEIDRE SAYS: Being a full-time carer is very stressful, even without the added tension caused by your dad’s criticisms.

If you don’t want to get a job, then you must stand up to him.

Maybe he’s worried about the finances and you need to reassure him.

Perhaps you could consider part-time work, which would give you some respite from each other.

For support, contact Carers UK (carersuk.org, 0808 808 7777) and see my support pack Help For Carers.