How do you manage the profound loneliness of caregiving?

Posted by Gratia @gratia, May 28 10:00am

How do you manage the profoundly lonely moments as a caregiver for your loved one with dementia? I’m a person who absolutely enjoys and needs a lot of “alone time”, however this situation somehow makes me feel much more lonely. And sad. Very sad. It’s probably the limited and circular conversations coupled with the loss of social life and work.
Thank you for listening.
❤️

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Profile picture for schenelly @schenelly

I understand exactly what you mean. As my husband’s cognitive and physical conditions erode, it is harder and harder to spend time with others, either with him present (because other people are uncomfortable with some of the strange things he says), or by myself (because I don’t feel safe leaving him alone). And I don’t want to drive friends or family away by dwelling on my problems with caregiving. It is a sad and isolating experience . Wishing you strength

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@schenelly I am having the same experiences. My husband is requiring more and more of my time and care. I try to carve out time alone since he can be left alone for short periods of time. I am still able to make plans with friends. No one seems to be minding the repetitive stories or the forgetfulness yet. I feel like my world is getting smaller and smaller along with his.

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Profile picture for grandmajoan @grandmajoan

@schenelly I am having the same experiences. My husband is requiring more and more of my time and care. I try to carve out time alone since he can be left alone for short periods of time. I am still able to make plans with friends. No one seems to be minding the repetitive stories or the forgetfulness yet. I feel like my world is getting smaller and smaller along with his.

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@grandmajoan
We’re the incredible shrinking women😢

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In reply to @grandmajoan "Yes…😢" + (show)
Profile picture for grandmajoan @grandmajoan

Yes…😢

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@grandmajoan & @schenelly Firstly, hugs to both of you. I feel my life has been shrinking too. It’s important to preserve some things for yourself. (Self-preservation) Easier said than done I know. Just wanted to chime in because you’re not alone. ❤️

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Profile picture for Gratia @gratia

@grandmajoan & @schenelly Firstly, hugs to both of you. I feel my life has been shrinking too. It’s important to preserve some things for yourself. (Self-preservation) Easier said than done I know. Just wanted to chime in because you’re not alone. ❤️

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@gratia
Thank you. Feeling heard helps
a lot
Hugs to you, too💕

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