Checked out mentally: Do you ever feel disconnected as you give care?

Posted by Gratia @gratia, Feb 20 12:53pm

Do you have days when you feel disconnected and flat as a caregiver for loved one with dementia ? I feel like an irritated robot.
How I miss my life. My “acceptance” mantra is failing today.
Just venting.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Feb 22 10:34pm

@judmahoney. @gratia @carolreid @dederickve I just love the way that you all cope with boredom and frustration! Really, shadowboxing, weights, dancing to good music, fighting with a punching bag, wow! And it’s all done in the basement! Luckily, you don’t live on the 2nd floor of an apartment building!

jniels | @jniels | Feb 24 4:15am

In reply to @gratia "I do use weights in the basement when I get time for myself and it helps..." + (show)

@gratia
I go for a drive, to nowhere in particular, and sing, loudly, “One Day at a Time,”sweet Jesus…it helps to know I’m not alone! Many times I can’t make it through a verse, without crying…but that’s ok.

raebaby | @raebaby | Feb 25 12:26pm

I started using coorg books for adults wth gel pens. as my husband with dementia raged around me. I went nto a state of Zen. The flow of the ink, the simple decsons I had to make and being occupied worked wonders. I was 78 then. Now I'm a wdow of 84 and iving the best life.

Gratia | @gratia | Feb 25 7:43pm

In reply to @raebaby "I started using coorg books for adults wth gel pens. as my husband with dementia raged..." + (show)

@raebaby I’m glad to know you’re doing well and you got through that difficult chapter of life.

The dementia moods are scary and I’m anxious about how to interact, or whether ignoring is best. I don’t want it to escalate. It’s really overwhelming.

raebaby | @raebaby | Feb 26 12:08am

I learned to try to not to get upset because he always wanted to debate and of course I could never win. It's really tough. You just have to survve it and you will. If you feel down and just want to write to me, do. I'm full of advise . I'm a former RN and I miss dishing it out! I made so many errors above. I'm ashamed of myself. I don't proof read enough.

jniels | @jniels | Feb 26 10:43pm

In reply to @raebaby "I learned to try to not to get upset because he always wanted to debate and..." + (show)

@raebaby
At 84, you have an amazing attitude. They are not errors, they are part of aging eyes and arthritic fingers. Thank you for taking the time to share your story. It gives hope to struggling caregivers…life goes on.🙏