I had a similar experience caring for my old mum in her last year of life. I was fortunate that I was working from home and able to look after her fairly well until her cancer got the better of her health. when I could no longer afford the time to work, as her dependency levels meant I couldn't spend time distracted from her care by work matters, I was given unpaid leave..... for the last few months of her life.
I got so busy I forgot all about my own income and didn't apply for the carers benefit. I managed on my savings plus a small contribution from my mother's account - half the rent and half the groceries.
tough times.... I could've made it much easier with the small payment.
but my old mum died peacefully. yep it was worth every iota of my efforts.
