Meet fellow Caregivers - Introduce yourself

Hi traveler17:
What you could do on a cruise is asked for a private table just for the two of you, which would eliminate the need for him to interact with others, of course it limits your ability to be social. I used to go out for a little time in the afternoon while my husband took a nap and that was my social time, also did the exercise time on treadmill and other things that are available on a ship. Good luck and enjoy the good weather, I am stuck up in Northern Michigan and it is snowing right now. God Bless, OZYS

Hi @traveler17. The following is based only on my personal experiences as a caregiver. While I was a caregiver for my MIL with frontal temporal dementia it was valuable for me to remember I could not apply logic when speaking and dealing with her. A demented brain does not operate logically, so trying to insert logical explanations, such as 'I am sorry honey, but that was not how I remember it' or similar only further frustrated and agitated her. I would also caution you about something, which occurred with regularity with my MIL. Whenever she visited or went to someplace outside her home boundaries her agitation, fear, and aggravation all increased. Changes in milieu can be difficult for some folks with dementia. I just say this as a word of advance awareness for you in case it occurs on your cruise.

Peace and strength

I had requested that but they are not available. Hope we are placed with understanding peoplep

Hi traveler17:
Most people are understanding and since most are older anyway, I think you will find that most will see what is going on with your husband, we just
had a relative diagnosed and the signs are there and people will pick up on those signs. Please know that we do not judge you or your husband because
of health issues. Just relax and take it easy, god knows you need the change of pace which will be great for your morale! Be safe and enjoy your time
away, OZYS

Hi Colleen,

I'm joining the group because my wife and I are caretakers for her mother (my Mother-in-law). She has mid to late stage dementia and has lived with us since May of this year. We both work from home and have a caretaker with her during business hours.

Things have settled into a routine, but the usual stresses are there. Fortunately, she is almost always cheerful - like a happy toddler, but confused.

We're doing Ok, but it's always good to be part of a group like this one.

Thanks,
Ed

Welcome Ed! Glad you joined us. I invite you to explore all the topics on the Caregiver's group. Here's a shortlist of the recent discussions specific to dementia and caregiving.

- Caring for someone with dementia / Alzheimer's http://mayocl.in/2ccA0jO
- Transitions..... Medications for Behavioral Symptoms http://mayocl.in/2h6TeIz
- Dementia Anger Issues - bathing http://mayocl.in/2g0Urkt

@kateia @IndianaScott @rmftucker @sallysue @nanax2 @tavi @macbeth will you join me in welcoming Ed to our group?

Hello @edbennett! Nice to e-meet you here! I am Scott and I wish you a peaceful holiday season for you and your family. I was the primary caregiver for my wife for 14+ years and one of the secondary caregivers for my MIL for 5 years before that.

I send you courage and strength and am glad you joined us here!

@edbennett
Welcome to our group, Ed. Hopefully, you will find support here.

My husband was diagnosed with dementia 4 1/2 years ago. I had to stop working 2 1/2 years to care for him full time. Looking back, I had begun to wonder about dementia at least two years before he was diagnosed. Over the past year, his decline has accelerated. He has always been a pleasant person, and remains so except that more and more often he becomes anxious or agitated. Then things change a bit.

I think you will find much useful information from the fellow members on this site.

Macbeth

I am 52 year old mother of son with Williams Syndrome. Diagnosed at Mayo Clinic 22 years ago. It's a genetic deletion. There are many medical and cognitive effects from Williams Syndrome. This is just a suggestion. Perhaps consider starting another group specific to parent caregivers of children with special needs. I'm a veteran of special education, county case management, parents groups, Special Olympics, arc minnesota. Isolation, psychological break down. I know how it feels when mayo doctors in suits and ties tell you that your child will never grow up and will need support for life. I feel I have something to offer young parents in similar situation. I survived. We survived. But I know there are parents in the thick of things.

Hi @ihatediabetes,
Thank you for sharing about your son with us, and for offering your support to young parents who could use the guidance of someone who has been there.
I like your suggestion about having a special group for parents caregivers of children with special needs. The good news is that we already have a group for parents in About Kids & Teens https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/childrens-and-teens-health/ At the moment the group is not specifically designated for parenting kids with special needs, but there are several discussions dedicated parenting children with rare conditions:

- Rasmussen Encephalitis http://mayocl.in/2hjQ5qM
- Kleine Levin syndrome http://mayocl.in/2hjQGst
- Anyone with keutel syndrome? http://mayocl.in/2ikyPS5
- My son was diagnosed with tetralogy of Fallot http://mayocl.in/2hPVKUw

As you can see, I am not always able to pair new members with someone. So I am very grateful that I can tag you when a new member posts about parenting and special needs.
Thank you!