Respite

Got to get a hobby

What is your favorite hobby or pastime? In the last post here, I had a chance to investigate “leisure activities” for Burt. Mine are less nuanced. I used to love trying artsy craftsy things to do. I once made a beautifully resonating drum. I also potted a decidedly clunky piece of clay; I was aimingContinue reading “Got to get a hobby”

No aide

I take my respite seriously. I’ll admit sometimes too seriously. Time away from the unusual thinking fostered by LBD is my golden ticket to staying sane. Or so I fervently believe. I take that time each weekday. On the weekends, we have help so I can have less hands on with the care. All ofContinue reading “No aide”

Help is on the way

As a caregiver, it’s easy (and way too common) to feel alone on the journey. In many ways, we are. The idea that no one is coming to our rescue when we are in the throes of a Lewy episode; the feeling that the worst moments are the ones only we can handle is provocative.Continue reading “Help is on the way”

Where our lives diverge

It’s another one of those losses. We once went to movies, watched TV series, and enjoyed outings together. Burt would have enjoyed The Marvelous Mrs Maisel with me. Now I’m seeing it as respite when he’s asleep. He can no longer follow any plot. He’s way past the point where he would get the humor.Continue reading “Where our lives diverge”

Like a peach

Ok. We’ve entered the clingy era. We’ve been there before but not quite like this. “I want you.” “Stay with me.” No. It is not gratifying. I would welcome his independence. I most certainly crave mine. I may have mentioned that I can no longer “reason” that I need my time to stay well forContinue reading “Like a peach”

Weighing the options

Let’s get practical about what is involved in care for your p.w.d. I advocate getting an aide early on when perhaps all your dearest needs is companion care. This is for you, the spouse or family caregiver. You definitely need the time while s/he is with someone. The expenses are astronomical. I know not everyoneContinue reading “Weighing the options”

Promptly

Do you need a break? From what? In my context, the context of this blog, the answer is sadly obvious. Do I need a break from caregiving? Yes, I am sure I do. I am sure any of us in these circumstances does. What’s more, I am sure we all wish we didn’t. Wouldn’t itContinue reading “Promptly”

Burnout

It’s a topic of great interest to anyone who is caring for another human being. Family caregivers have a dose of extra responsibility. There’s the physical caring, which seems like a lot. It’s not all. We also make personal decisions about the healthcare of our loved ones. Financial decisions fall to us as, often, doContinue reading “Burnout”

It’s frequently a piece of advice which some caregivers have come to resent. It is given in a spirit of concern, but some of us feel it is de trop. “I know I have to take care of myself,” one of my confederates said. “I don’t need to be reminded.” Take care of yourself. IfContinue reading “Respite”