Keith,
I’m am so much in the same boat. It’s not fun, is it? Sometimes I wonder if I will last long enough, when this part of the journey is finished, that I’ll still have the opportunity to get my old life back somewhat - maybe some travel, taking better care of myself, and maybe being spontaneous! I hope you are able to get some respite from a companion for your person and can at least find a few hours a week for yourself.

Hi @keithcarey84, I'm Scott, and I was my wife's sole caregiver for just shy of 15 years.

I learned to take what I called 'minute vacations'. Just enough to catch my breath and recharge. I'd read one newspaper article, a page from a book, etc.

I had to give up almost everything in my personal life for those years, but it was worth it to me, as I knew she had to have my help to manage her life. I reminded myself every day that she was the one fighting for her life, and that helped me keep my perspective on the challenges of caregiving.

Once my wife passed away, I now have too much time to do whatever I want.

Strength, Courage, & Peace