2 more nights before my first respite

[Helen33]

It's nearly here. There is so much to say but I am too tired to try. The sitters are all in place and I have written out details for each sitting time. I have requested that the night sitter(s) are more clinical as they are to promote rest and sleep to a probably confused and anxious Alan. Alan met the night sitter today and they got on really well.

I am really looking forward to having a 'care free' 3 days and 2 nights and I hope respite does what it says on the tin
I have booked a B&B in Derbyshire with Alan's daughter. I can't imagine feeling guilty but I will let you all know if I do

Love

 

[Grannie G]

I can`t wait to hear how you`ve got on Helen. It`s like waiting for your child to come home after the first day at school.

 

[Izzy]

I hope it all goes really well for you. Izzy

 

[TinaT]

You are a tonic to all of us Helen. After all your preparation, you deserve to have a wonderful couple of days r'n'r.

xxTinaT

 

[Helen33]

It`s like waiting for your child to come home after the first day at school.

And I know I will dying to tell you all about it

Love

 

[sad nell]

Helen think it is wonderfull that you ar sharing your respite with Alan's daughter, hope Derbyshire lives up to my expectations for you, and Alan will be fine, wish i could join you love pam

 

[Helen33]

You are a tonic to all of us Helen.

What a lovely thing to say Tina

Thank you Izzy.

 

[larivy]

helen i hope you have a great time

 

[jenniferpa]

Kick that guilt monster to the curb Helen. You've done everything humanly possible to make this work, so now is the time to let go - what will be will be.

 

[nellbelles]

Helen Enjoy..

we all know how hard it is, many (me) haven't managed to go there yet.. but we will when the time is right.. (well I will)

 

[milly123]

hi hehen have lovely time hope the weather is good for you milly

 

[Scottie45]

Dear Helen

Enjoy your break,hope you get nice weather and i hope all goes well for Alan with the sitters,take care Marian xx

 

[BeckyJan]

Hello Helen:
You have put so much into this you WILL enjoy it. I am sure the weather will be fine and you will find the hills and countryside of Derbyshire very relaxing.

I want to hear every detail when you get back!
Love Jan

 

[jackie place]

Hi Helen

Hope thatyou have a good rest and enjoy yourself I will be waiting to hear how you spent your time and How Alan went on with the sitters as I am hoping for a break next month love jackie x x x

 

[Helen33]

You are all so kind - it really helps keep the spirits up. I will actually miss you and be wondering what kind of mischief you are all up to whilst I'm away

I know this is going to sound really odd (probably really sad) but actually TP is respite for me. It really does provide a break, a release at times of all kinds of emotions, and fun and laughter.

If I was asked to advise someone new to caring for someone with dementia about whether to first have actual respite or have TP, I would first recommend TP because it can be daily. I need it daily. In fact it's TP that has equipped me for actual respite and I know that without TP I would not be able to enjoy it as much as I will. Does that make sense to anyone or am I going totally off the wall?

Love

 

[larivy]

i know what you mean and totally agree with you

 

[Grannie G]

Quote Helen
Does that make sense to anyone or am I going totally off the wall?

It makes sense to me too. Without TP I would never have got round to having a carer in the home nor would I be thinking about respite care for myself.

 

[Cl13]

Hi Helen, no your not going off the wall we all know how much we get from TP, me very much included.
You have worked so hard to get all your at home help for Alan, now its your turn, enjoy your weekend, I look forward to hearing all about it.

Love Lynn

 

[ROSEANN]

Hi Helen
Have a great weekend.

We have only two days left of John`s respite and so far it has been alot better than last year.
Although he keeps asking when he`s coming home he is not distressed like last year,and he is even finding his own way to the toilet.
Painting the doors yellow must work.

I must admit it has been strange without him but I am starting to feel better and at last my headache has gone.

Enjoy your weekend we went to Bakewelll and Mattlock on Monday and had a lovely time.
Love Roseann x

 

[Helen33]

Thank you Roseann. I didn't realise that John had been in respite before. It is good that he is more settled this time. Someone in our carers group was talking about painted doors and their effect!!

I love Matlock and Bakewell and all Derbyshire I think.

Enjoy your last few days.

Love x