Hello this is my first post. My husband, sister and myself have maintained mum in her own home for the past eight years with escalating input. Prior to that I helped care for my dad because of health needs. When he died mum's dementia became apparent. Her ability to manage personal care is becoming a real issue and she recently had a fall. The strain is now catching up, trying to balance work with caring. A year ago I arranged for agency staff to come for an hour four times a week to do her tea; this was to get her used to the idea of having people other than us looking after her. She is very accepting of this.
Like many of you we have to assist with bathing, going to the loo etc. I'm finding I'm getting very tired, and increasingly anxious about her when we are not there. We live very near but unable to be with her 24/7. Her needs are increasing but as yet is not at the point of needing to go into a home. I feel guilty about the prospect of entrusting her bath and bedtime routine to others and increasing the agency in put during the day.
Any change in routine really upsets her and I feel she is too vulnerable. I recognise I'm getting anxious and stressed about this next phase of her care but feel I have to pursue it for sake and mine. Has anyone any advice or encouragement?
Like many of you we have to assist with bathing, going to the loo etc. I'm finding I'm getting very tired, and increasingly anxious about her when we are not there. We live very near but unable to be with her 24/7. Her needs are increasing but as yet is not at the point of needing to go into a home. I feel guilty about the prospect of entrusting her bath and bedtime routine to others and increasing the agency in put during the day.
Any change in routine really upsets her and I feel she is too vulnerable. I recognise I'm getting anxious and stressed about this next phase of her care but feel I have to pursue it for sake and mine. Has anyone any advice or encouragement?