Hi Fellow Caregivers, Just an update. After going down the rabbit hole of depression, I have been given a new outlook on life with an anti-depressant that works. If this is the pot of gold you find at the end of this colorless rainbow that has invaded our lives, do not hesitate to accept that you are only human and quickly seek help. It is my understanding that the first med tried might not be the correct one, but keep at it with your professionals's assistance. I personally found that recommendations to take the med at either bedtime or on rise did not work for me. It turns out 7 to 8 p.m. is my magic slot to get a decent night's sleep and a day where my energy level is good. -- When I read the responses today, I noticed that no one mentioned incontinence diapers. As an 86-year-old caregiver to a 94-year-old husband, our house would smell like a kitty litter box without them. Getting our loved ones to use them might take a bit of talking, but it could be the answer to the issue. And they can be delivered directly to your door. Also, I keep those Lysol or Clorox cannisters with wipes we all used during Covid in the bathroom. Since I use a walker and can't bend over, I just drop a few on the floor and use my foot to shove it around. Then the gripper that is attached to my walker finishes the job as it deposits the wipe in the trash can. As they say,
where there is a will there is a way. -- After burnout and the help from meds, I put newfound strength into positive change. We now have a young woman who comes in twice a month for four hours. Her responsibilities are open-ended since I am not yet sure what we need to make my tasks as a caregiver easier. The first thing tackled was our bedroom walls and furniture that had not been washed in over ten years. After looking at that bucket's contents, I have been given a positive boost. And, conversation with someone who will remember our conversation was darn wonderful. -- I do not know what gives each of us pleasure but save a bit of each day to do it. The concept of finding new levels of strength every day seems ridiculous at times. If anyone had told me ten years ago that I would still be in this game I do not like playing, I would have been overwhelmed. Still, every day, I find a patience that is beneficial to both my husband and myself. Yes, even if he doesn't realize it, he is turning me into a better person. GloRo