Someone to have a lucid conversation with: Anyone just want to talk?

@dederickve
Sometimes I can't take it and lose my temper, then I apologize and tell him I'm not upset with him, I'm angry at Dementia.
Controlling my emotions is challenging even when I attempt to be Zen about it, practice gratitude, all the suggestions.
I like watching the Peace Monks videos, that calms me down.
Take care. 🥀

I get it. My husband and I have been together 52 years. We haven’t always been on the same page about a lot if things but we have still enjoyed being TOGETHER. Now we are together but miles apart in great discussions.
I read to him - articles, NYTimes obituaries, excerpts from books. We can enjoy movies and shows together somewhat but he goes in and out of the bathroom all day usually doing nothing.
I tried playing games but he can’t follow.
I really miss travel - we did a lot- but now it’s only road trips if I have the energy to manage everything.
I fantasize about deeper conversations and we do try to stay social but he is getting harder for other people.
I love yoga and tai chi but have not done it in years. I do listen to Buddhist Dharma talks and sit zazen occasionally - it helps but I don’t last long. My therapist is a Jungian psychoanalyst who loves my dreams but often our sessions are just me telling my life with my husband and ALZ.
I feel a self shrinking- writing and journaling help.
I miss my husband even though he is right next to me- a little too much.
All I can say is I get it.
Wish mayo connect had a zoom link so we could meet each other and truly connect.

@maryvc
Hi, there is a weekly video caregiver group on this site. It's under the Events heading. Just click the Events link and email the contact and she'll send you the link to join. It's on Thursdays, 11 a.m. Pacific (right now, till time change).

@judimahoney Thank you. Is there a zoom group for dementia caregivers? Spouses would be great. I did go to events and saw 2 Caregiver support groups but nothing specific to Dementia.

@maryvc
The Caregiver group is not specific to dementia, just for folks who are caregivers.

@maryvc
Try the Alzheimer's Association. (alz.org) click on help & support, then, connect with others, then, caregiving.
They have discussions like this one but specific to people living with or caring for a loved one with dementia. It was the most helpful site for me when caring for my husband with dementia.

Im in an ALZ Assn support group at the CCRC we are moving and have found great support from the other spouses at the day program my husband hoes to. But I do find this connection very helpful.
I found Mayo Connect just after Steve was diagnosed in 2023. I was walking and crying and googled “ Anyone have a husband with MCI’’ and found this.
So thank you All🙏🏻😍

The continual repetition of same old questions is about more than I can take, anymore ! I wish I could get out of this ! He sits and tells me what to do, while he is just sitting, or sleeping, and I have been taking solo care of everything for so long, now. I feel like just nobody to him.

@dederickve I am so sorry you are going through this. My DH has passed on but I remember well the feelings you are expressing. I do know it helped me to get someone in for a few hours twice a week. It wasn't cheap but she was more of a companion than a caregiver. She could listen to him so I could disengage for a bit, ultimately, getting out for coffee with friends or just running errands.

Is there anyone who can give you a break? It's not much but it really does help.

Here's hoping you get some relief soon.

@paulgrover, checking in to see how you are doing? Reading anything interesting these days?