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Longtime caregiver looking for support and coping tips
Caregivers | Last Active: Oct 1 7:57pm | Replies (113)Comment receiving replies
I’m exhausted taking care of my disabled son and there are two of us doing it. My heart goes out to you.
I agree with tim1028 that small things add up to some sort of appreciation for life- a sunset, flower, some happy news or watching children play, for example. What normally brings you joy?
I wonder if letting go of expectations would help? Or trying to see your situation as temporary? This too shall pass.
However I also know the impact of grief on one’s life. It can be all encompassing and overwhelming. I’m going to try an online grief group. Hopefully I’ll gain some coping skills.
I wish you could get more help from hospice…or anyone in your community. Even a short break from the stress could really help.
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Sue, Thanks for your comments. Letting go of expectations might help. It's her journey too and I can't pull quality discussions out of her, as much as I would like to have them. And yes, this is temporary, even if it seems like forever.
As for joy, I guess I'd say spending time with friends, sharing homemade baked goods, getting lost in a good book and crocheting are good for me. A friend and I did Wii bowling the other night and it felt so good, as did swimming after dark in the quiet pool. Last night a friend showed up unexpectedly to stay with Jenny, so I went for a walk and talked to my sister - and my niece, which was a bonus.
I need to focus on the positives more than the negatives of this situation. Thanks.