Stumble It!
Adrian went to California to stay with two of his sons for a total of eight days recently. By the end of that time, I really missed him and was glad to see him come home. I felt so much more relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to be a compassionate caregiver.
His sons told me of their struggles to help him figure out how to keep track of his two pairs of glasses so that he would have the right ones when he needed them, and also tell them apart (reading from distance). They worked on his low-vision reading problems, helping him find large print books. They reminded him to take his meds. In other words, they got a taste of what the caregiving was like.
I am fortunate that Adrian has loving, caring sons who can help out now and then. But caregivers still need breaks, whether family is there or not. If you have no one to take over for you, consider a home nursing service or temporary stay at a care facility. Getting a break can make all the difference in the world.
