I care virtually full-time for my Dad who has mixed dementia. I stay with him - and my own home home is 150 miles away which I get to visit for a long weekend when my younger sister does a 'stint'. She too lives over 100 miles away and, unlike me, works full-time.
After a year from hell last year (as well as caring for dad, my middle sister died after a long very disabling illness), I'm pretty knackered.Dad has a very 'on the ball' care manager and she has arranged for Dad to go into respite for one week, starting this Thursday. This will be his first time in respite care.
I'm terrified it makes his dementia worse - but am rational enough (just!) to know that I need that time away. And also, with a fair wind, he may well be OK. Dad's pretty stable, with kindness and support, he might even enjoy himself at times. I suspect (hope?) he will enjoy the company.
I haven't told him yet - as he'll only forget - but equally he's aware enough for me not to spring it on him on thursday. So, later today, I will rase the subject. The plan is to phrase it that he'll really help me by doing this - and that they will also be able to keep a close eye on his awful rash (recent diagnosis chronic urticaria).
Has anyone any tips on how to help smooth this process? Or an experience of respite that has worked out well?
I've heard from a number of people about how good the facility is that Dad is going into - from the staff to the food, so I do really believe he's going somewhere that will care for him well.
It doesn't help my guilt though.
After a year from hell last year (as well as caring for dad, my middle sister died after a long very disabling illness), I'm pretty knackered.Dad has a very 'on the ball' care manager and she has arranged for Dad to go into respite for one week, starting this Thursday. This will be his first time in respite care.
I'm terrified it makes his dementia worse - but am rational enough (just!) to know that I need that time away. And also, with a fair wind, he may well be OK. Dad's pretty stable, with kindness and support, he might even enjoy himself at times. I suspect (hope?) he will enjoy the company.
I haven't told him yet - as he'll only forget - but equally he's aware enough for me not to spring it on him on thursday. So, later today, I will rase the subject. The plan is to phrase it that he'll really help me by doing this - and that they will also be able to keep a close eye on his awful rash (recent diagnosis chronic urticaria).
Has anyone any tips on how to help smooth this process? Or an experience of respite that has worked out well?
I've heard from a number of people about how good the facility is that Dad is going into - from the staff to the food, so I do really believe he's going somewhere that will care for him well.
It doesn't help my guilt though.