Hi all,
Firstly, can I just say what a great help I've found TP already. Your stories have been both therapeutic and helpful to me.
I'm a full-time carer for my MIL, who had a Stroke almost 3 years ago which resulted in severe mobility issues and Vascular Dementia.
MIL was in a care home for a short period but wasn't adjusting well and wasn't eating or drinking and spending all day in bed. I gave up work and she moved back home and so began my full-time role as Carer. I stay over 5 nights a week and have two days off (which are a god send). MIL's daughter fills in for my days off.
I'm ashamed to say that as time goes on and the disease progresses, I'm not coping as well as I should. I find myself increasingly frustrated and stressed by the constant repetition, refusals to drink and eat, constantly questioning where we are, and the mis-trust in anything and everything we say!
Her ability to carry out every day things, such as brushing her teeth are now virtually non-existent. She literally needs help for every thing. I've lost count of the amount of days I've spent cleaning up vomit and diarrhoea. I literally dread what I'll walk in to the next day.
I feel like screaming sometimes (getting more frequent).
MIL's health is ok, and I find myself wondering how long I can keep this up. I'd hate the thought of her in a care home again. She's had the odd week in respite but always came out dehydrated and looking shocking because of her refusal to drink.
So, although I have no specific questions, it's been good to be able to vent.
Firstly, can I just say what a great help I've found TP already. Your stories have been both therapeutic and helpful to me.
I'm a full-time carer for my MIL, who had a Stroke almost 3 years ago which resulted in severe mobility issues and Vascular Dementia.
MIL was in a care home for a short period but wasn't adjusting well and wasn't eating or drinking and spending all day in bed. I gave up work and she moved back home and so began my full-time role as Carer. I stay over 5 nights a week and have two days off (which are a god send). MIL's daughter fills in for my days off.
I'm ashamed to say that as time goes on and the disease progresses, I'm not coping as well as I should. I find myself increasingly frustrated and stressed by the constant repetition, refusals to drink and eat, constantly questioning where we are, and the mis-trust in anything and everything we say!
Her ability to carry out every day things, such as brushing her teeth are now virtually non-existent. She literally needs help for every thing. I've lost count of the amount of days I've spent cleaning up vomit and diarrhoea. I literally dread what I'll walk in to the next day.
I feel like screaming sometimes (getting more frequent).
MIL's health is ok, and I find myself wondering how long I can keep this up. I'd hate the thought of her in a care home again. She's had the odd week in respite but always came out dehydrated and looking shocking because of her refusal to drink.
So, although I have no specific questions, it's been good to be able to vent.
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