Caregiver wish list: Things we would love to hear from others

Simply come to visit me at the facility where my new life is settling. Come for an hour or two. just sit and talk and or walking around the facility. sorry for my dementia which may not be good for me to travel and not able to remember many past events of life or some friends. Well, be strong and around. Don't be sad for you. Just come without bringing flowers or gifts. Be happy with your happy usual smiles and be strong in being together again. With my incoherent stories, thanks for listening too! KSL on 11-21-24.

@lowtltct36 Hi, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! You sound very upbeat this morning ! Did one of the nurses or nurse aides introduce you to MCC? Check out the Just Want to Talk
Support Group. There are lots of discussions I think you might like!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/other/
Have you made friends yet?
You mentioned dementia—is that a problem for you? Were you living by yourself? I’ll check on you later. I have lots of people to check on!
Becky

I agree! Being a caregiver for 6+ years is so tiring. I feel emotionally, physically and mentally drained. Not burned out. Just want to be treated like others used to before this!

Something that would be very helpful for me is to find out what type of tray or devices can be attached to a 2-wheel walker so that a cup or glass of a beverage can be transported across the room. The hardest problem I'm having, as a very new user of a 2-wheel walker, is transporting things - something that used to be so easy. I'd like to hear of your experiences: what works, what doesn't. Many thanks!

I've seen a "basket" attachment for a walker that can hold a cup and other things, phone, remote control. Check out Amazon

Thank you for the suggestion.

I miss and love you! I will come by to visit! It brings happiness when another person shows they care. It is hard to be a Caregiver and take care of yourself as well. ❤️

I am coming over for the afternoon so you can go to yoga, take a nap, go outside, get a massage, etc. Just go and do not worry.

Actually my BFF is coming over to give me a couple hours tomorrow! Merry Christmas to me!!🙂

We have many friends who pick my husband S up for lunches, workouts, dinners, days out on field trips etc. Our children are so involved with their own lives they have not spent a whole day with their Dad. My oldest daughter and her husband did have him for a few nights last year while I went away.
I know this will not last as S progresses and is more difficult to be with, but for now people enjoy him and he enjoys people.
Many of our friends are also getting older and more health problems. Sometimes when people ask if there is anything they can do to help, I say forgive me for not being there for you, not sending cards or meals, as I have my hands full.
I’m tired today. He was up much of the night wanting to shave, brush his teeth and take a shower at 3:00 AM.
He is spending the day with his best friend and me with my girlfriends for lunch and Maj. we are really both exhausted.
Had a raw discussion this morning about how we can handle this.
I wish I could be there for you.
I feel like I need a support group just for spouses.