Connect
Longest Stint as Caregiver
My wife of 54 years has been having ever increasing issues which require more and more care. I have been the only person caring for her since 2023. My daily routine consists of caring for her by myself. I never even get to talk with anyone. No one in the family ever gives me a break, or even comes over to sit with my wife and I. From what I read, my length of service for my wife is well over what is recommended. What do you say? I'm dealing with depression daily and don't see any place to turn for help.
Forgot to add. We live with our adult daughter who never does any kind of companionship time with her mom, not to mention the rest of the family.
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group.
Connect
Hi, @pchap I’m Scott and I was my wife’s sole caregiver for her entire 14+ year war.
All I can say is I lived by the AA mantra of “one day at a time”.
Strength, Courage, & Peace
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsSo very sorry to hear this…keep going day by day giving the best care to your wife that you’re able to give…and be thankful that you can help her through this cruel disease…
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@pchap
I don’t know how you’ve done this for so long. At 7 months and counting I feel my sanity slipping. When you say you’re caring for her by yourself, I totally get it. I do the same for my mom. I truly think people don’t understand what that means until they’ve lived it. Literally every single moment.
I just started last week with a companion coming in for 3 hours two times a week. I haven’t been able to relax into that yet. But I’m hoping I will.
So recently I found out Medicare will now pay for an aide to come into your home if your wife’s Dr says it is a hardship for her to leave the home. I have to pay out of pocket because there are no home aides in my area that will come without a nurse or therapist. But please, take the 5 minutes when she’s asleep and call Medicare, if that is your insurance.
Please for your own sake, assign a day every week for a few hours that your daughter takes over. Please don’t ask for it at this point, tell her that is what you need.
Angels come in all sizes. I believe caregivers are angels on earth. You may be the biggest angel of all.
Please take care of yourself and reach out anywhere for help. Love yourself a little bit too