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MyMission

(2,006 posts)
18. Sending a big hug, and some comments
Thu Jun 23, 2022, 11:07 PM
Jun 2022

A great source of information is http://www.211.org/
You can just dial 211 in most places to connect with United Way, which in turn connects with many local agencies. The website has a "dial" button so you can speak with someone.

Do you both have the same md? They can be a good resource, for both of you. But sometimes they are more or less helpful or knowledgeable in different areas. Being a caregiver is very stressful, emotionally and physically, and you need support for yourself as well as for him.

When I was a caregiver to my mom, people always asked "how's your mom doing?" But I only recall a few rare times I was asked how I was doing. Sometimes I felt like I was going to collapse, have a meltdown or a breakdown from the stress, frustration, responsibility, and loss of my life as it had been before. Most don't recognize the strain of being a caregiver, including many caregivers. They put the other's needs before their own, give their all until they are depleted, and beyond. You have reached out, and you are not a bad person to complain or vent about yourself and your feelings and frustration and pain. It's healthier to share than to keep it bottled up.

My mother had cognitive dementia, diagnosed after her md referred her for testing at a local memory care facility. She also saw a neurologist. There are day programs and respite care often available in communities, if the person shouldn't be left alone. I had someone come in for a few hours on days I was working, to keep her company, take her out to appointments or shopping or lunch, or help with laundry and light housework.

Many good suggestions on this thread. I learned about 211 from a social worker I knew who dealt with the elderly population.

Wishing you all the best as you navigate this challenging situation.
Take care of yourself.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

You need help of course and I have no idea how to get it, hopefully someone does. Eliot Rosewater Jun 2022 #1
There are multiple reasons for short-term memory loss Murphyb849 Jun 2022 #2
Not knowing any more about you and your situation than I read in this post... COL Mustard Jun 2022 #3
First and foremost: you are not a horrible wife Raven123 Jun 2022 #4
♥️ a kennedy Jun 2022 #12
Contact your doctor's office deRien Jun 2022 #5
♥️ a kennedy Jun 2022 #13
Please call your local Agency for Aging ASAP JoeOtterbein Jun 2022 #6
I am so, so sorry. Phoenix61 Jun 2022 #7
I have limited perspective on your issue... VarryOn Jun 2022 #8
This is the best advice. Trueblue Texan Jun 2022 #21
We miss one thing our loved ones are going through ... EmmaLee E Oct 2023 #27
Yes, HUGS HELP is the best advice. EmmaLee E Jan 2024 #28
I'm so sorry you're going through this and you're not a bad wife. badhair77 Jun 2022 #9
I know your pain too well Moostache Jun 2022 #10
♥️ a kennedy Jun 2022 #15
I'm so sorry. Can you postpone the knee surgery? I ask spooky3 Jun 2022 #11
I am so sorry. I don't know how to help but you can't beat yourself up - you are not being a bad LoisB Jun 2022 #14
A change of diet and maybe medication Tetrachloride Jun 2022 #16
Please, please don't blame yourself Easterncedar Jun 2022 #17
Sending a big hug, and some comments MyMission Jun 2022 #18
I'm so glad you spoke of the stress caregivers endure. Trueblue Texan Jun 2022 #22
It's not his fault. It's not your fault either. Beastly Boy Jun 2022 #19
My Dad had dementia.... thecrow Jun 2022 #20
I just read this topic again.....and this really stood out to me.... a kennedy Jul 2022 #25
You sound like me. AmBlue Jun 2022 #23
A lot of what you describes sounds very familiar CountAllVotes Jul 2022 #24
Thank you. ♥️ a kennedy Jul 2022 #26
I really wish I had some advice for you... Hugin Mar 2024 #29
My thanks to all contributors oasis Apr 2024 #30
Yes, thanks MorbidButterflyTat Apr 2024 #31
I'm so sorry nt XanaDUer2 May 2024 #32
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