Am I in the wrong for leaving my aunt alone all day who has health issues?

[Hotzone417]

My aunt moved in with me about 4 months ago. She's really depressing to be around, because all she talks about is how messed up her life is. I told her that it makes me stressed out when she talks about that stuff. She said she'd stop, but she hasn't. I've been getting up and going to my moms in the morning, and doing things with her all day. My aunt has trouble walking, and she's fallen a few times since we moved in, but am I really expected to be home all the time in case she falls? She doesn't really have any friends, and like I said she has nobility issues, so she doesn't really like to go out and do things. I got home last night, and she was like "are you gonna go to your mom's everyday?". I said "maybe, why?". She was like "well, i get lonely without anyone here all day, and i miss you". I didn't really say anything. I dont feel like its my job to keep her company, buy i also kinda see where she's coming from. I am gone like all the time, and id probably get lonely and worry about falling, and not being able to get back up. I brought up that she should get one of those life alert necklaces to wear so she could call someone if she needs to, but she said no.

[Oliverlogan263]

Yo, that's a tough situation for sure. On one hand, I can understand why your aunt feels lonely and kinda abandoned with you being gone all day. That's gotta be really hard, especially with her health issues. But at the same time, I don't think it's completely fair for her to expect you to be her full-time caretaker and companion.

You've already made it clear that her constant negativity and complaining is really stressing you out, which is totally understandable. You need to be able to take care of your own mental health too. And the fact that she's refusing to even get a life alert device is kind of concerning. That could be a big help in keeping her safe when you're not around.

Ultimately, I don't think you're in the wrong here. You're an adult with your own life and responsibilities, and you can't be expected to drop everything to babysit your aunt all day. That's not a sustainable situation for you. But at the same time, I get why she's feeling lonely and worried.

My advice would be to try to find a middle ground. Maybe you could set aside a couple hours each day to hang out with her, or take her out to do something fun a few times a week. That way she's not completely alone, but you're also not sacrificing your own life and needs. And keep encouraging her to get that life alert device - that could give you both some peace of mind.

It's a tough balance, for sure. But you can't pour from an empty cup, you know? Make sure you're taking care of yourself too. And don't be afraid to set some firm boundaries if she keeps guilting you or weighing you down with her negativity. You got this, bro.

[MountainMetal]

Talk to your mom about it, you are in a caretaker roll at this point. And while it is frustrating, making the best of a bad situation and finding her a new place to stay where she's taken care of should be the priority of you and your family