Connect
← Return to Support Group for Those of Us Living With Mild Dementia
Discussion
Support Group for Those of Us Living With Mild Dementia
Aging Well | Last Active: Oct 20 7:51pm | Replies (161)Comment receiving replies
I'm really sorry that you're going through such a difficult time.
This statement of yours concerns me a little, though:
"...my children do know but they have their own lives."
That is no doubt true, but their eyes need to be opened to what's going on.
You had your own life once, didn't you? You set it aside to do what's needed. The children need to step up and do *something* to help.
You haven't posted a photo of yourself, but I bet you don't wear a cape and an outfit with a big "S" in front. You're mortal, and from the sound of it, you're pushing yourself way, way past your safe capacity.
I think you've got to summon all possible resources around you, and that includes your children.
And if they get mad at you for insisting they help, how are you any worse off?
Forgive my blunt comment, but the thought of your kids parked in front of a TV while you're running yourself ragged is pretty upsetting, to be honest.
Replies to "I'm really sorry that you're going through such a difficult time. This statement of yours concerns..."
Connect
Thank you for your words of support, Scott. My children are older, 2 live out of state, but the other 3 do take the time to see their dad, have breakfast with him, conversations and he is even visiting one of the children for 6 days out of state, so I'm certain that she will get an eye-full. I didn't mean to make it sound like they don't bother, it's just that they don't live with us and they have their own jobs, children to raise. In fact they are all great kids.
My feeling alone is because I am home all day alone with him so I'm dealing with the day-to-day activities and MCI behaviors, and it's exhausting and sad at the same time. We have been married for 27 years and have had a very good marriage. It's worrisome to me as to what is going to happen to him and myself. He is a young 71 year old man. Very bright, well-read, fit and we eat healthy.
Do you know of a support group in Rockland/Westchester/NJ counties that helps support spouses with MCI and in similar situations? I feel I need to do this. I've been dealing with his MCI for 3 or 4 years and it's progressing. He does have a good friend that he sees for lunch and has no problem driving or getting lost on the roads. . But he does lose his phone, glasses, wallet, keys, sunglasses, hat, on and off and we have to search to find them (sometimes for hours). Sometimes we don't. I gave him a neck purse to wear, which he did for a while. Thank you.