caring for my wife

[Barnes]

We are both 71-fortunately fairly physically fit so can go out together mornings and is good.However my wife's memory has gone.
Within minutes of getting home and regularly while at home my wife is agitated,cries,continually wants to know what to do,follows me around and increasingly gets angry with me-wants to go to her home/family.
This is tiring me out/stressing me and gives me no time to myself.
I run out of energy to do things with her/to occupy her. She no longer reads or can concentrate on television.
any thoughts/ideas/experiences-perhaps I need to give more information-this is my first time on Talking Point.

 

[Grannie G]

Hello Barnes

It sounds as if you are going through a very difficult time and I wonder if you have had a carers assessment.

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=131

It is wise to have this assessment so you can know what help and support is available to you.

Do you have a local branch of the Alzheimers Society. If so they may have a facilitator who may also be able to offer support.

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200121

There are no hard and fast rules for dealing with this challenging behaviour because everyone is so different. I can identify with you having so little time for yourself. Most of us find we have put our lives on hold when we took responsibility for full time care.

All you can do really is get someone into care for your wife while you have a break. This can be arranged through and agency or through Social Services.