I have seen a couple of threads recently about respite and people asking if it worth it.
My OH stayed at home while I went away for a few days holiday. She had her befriending scheme visit on Tuesday, though not the usual lady and the replacement got mixed up over keysafe codes and security door entry, so had a phone call at lunchtime. The care office at the sheltered housing where we live sorted it and I got back to hiking and a lovely sunset.
I broke the rules many people suggest by actually calling home on Wednesday when OH's daughter was visiting. It was a relief to know she was fine and I could get back to hiking on Exmoor, and having a meal and pint in the evening. Chatting to a local worthy propping up the bar is not a chance I get very often, so however banal it was actually a pleasant evening.
Thursday was the hard part. She was supposed to have transport to day centre from a franchise run by a lady who is a trained carer. They come recommended by the Dementia Navigator and are very good, so was disappointed when the centre told me she did not turn up. Turned out she had a panic when trying to get into the car, and needed to transfer to a wheel chair. I think based on a recent panic at the memory café that is going to become a pattern as mobility and special awareness dim. More phone calls and text messages as I worried she would not go to day centre and I would need emergency care workers to give her lunch.
Despite the worries I walked 10 miles over 3 days, had fresh air and sunshine in an area I could never get to normally, but the stresses were always there in the background and on the phone. She is fine after the experience though. It was still worth going away, but will I get another chance if she deteriorates over the winter and needs more care ? I don't know, and suspect that is the stage some people who ask the question have reached.
That was a long post, sorry.
My OH stayed at home while I went away for a few days holiday. She had her befriending scheme visit on Tuesday, though not the usual lady and the replacement got mixed up over keysafe codes and security door entry, so had a phone call at lunchtime. The care office at the sheltered housing where we live sorted it and I got back to hiking and a lovely sunset.
I broke the rules many people suggest by actually calling home on Wednesday when OH's daughter was visiting. It was a relief to know she was fine and I could get back to hiking on Exmoor, and having a meal and pint in the evening. Chatting to a local worthy propping up the bar is not a chance I get very often, so however banal it was actually a pleasant evening.
Thursday was the hard part. She was supposed to have transport to day centre from a franchise run by a lady who is a trained carer. They come recommended by the Dementia Navigator and are very good, so was disappointed when the centre told me she did not turn up. Turned out she had a panic when trying to get into the car, and needed to transfer to a wheel chair. I think based on a recent panic at the memory café that is going to become a pattern as mobility and special awareness dim. More phone calls and text messages as I worried she would not go to day centre and I would need emergency care workers to give her lunch.
Despite the worries I walked 10 miles over 3 days, had fresh air and sunshine in an area I could never get to normally, but the stresses were always there in the background and on the phone. She is fine after the experience though. It was still worth going away, but will I get another chance if she deteriorates over the winter and needs more care ? I don't know, and suspect that is the stage some people who ask the question have reached.
That was a long post, sorry.