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The Mirage of Caregiver Support
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Nov 13, 2023 | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
I'd love to know how to carve out some time for me. I'm currently navigating the search for someone whom I can trust to come into our home and watch over and help him as needed so I can take some time out for me. What works for me to get a few minutes currently is to NOT announce that I'm going to enjoy a soak in the tub or sit down to read for awhile. If I announce - he goes into needy mode. I've learned to keep it quiet.
I hope fellow caregivers respond to Colleen Young's questions. I need some answers.
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Anotherday, I'm glad you started a new discussion on the topic:
- Fellow caregiver's - I need help, what do I look for in a sitter? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fellow-caregivers-i-need-help-what-do-i-look-for-in-a-sitter/
On the subject of carving out a bit of time, I remember reading somewhere a helpful tip from another caregiver. In their situation, their mom's condition meant that she slept a lot, off and on throughout the day. Whenever she woke up and her daughter wasn't nearby, she panicked. This meant that the daughter always had to be in sight or at least within earshot.
They devised a system where she left a stuffed Teddy bear in her seat when she had stepped further away while her mom slept. The bear reassured mom that her daughter was near by and it gave the daughter a moment to go into the garden for a few minutes for herself.
Sometimes even an untethered few minutes can help.