Dear Netsy,
Following on from me suggesting that you follow Nitram's advice last week I can't remember if I told you that we are having our first care assessment on Thursday. Like you I am going on holiday except that I will be away for a few days before coming back for two nights and going away again for just over a week. Last year I went away for just over a week and my brother stayed for a few days with my sister-in-law and nephews and then my other brother came to stay with dad during the daytime although there were a couple of times when they had to work away from our house. At first dad was so reliant on me that he wasn't looking forward to me being away but when I came back he was full of confidence and he said that he doesn't mind me going away next year. When I was away I must admit I did worry but then I gradually started to relax and when I came back not only did I look forward to seeing dad I was full of confidence as well.
Now like your mum dad probably won't like the ideas of carers but as has been suggested to me they need to be introduced as friends or people who are coming to help when I am away. Alzheimers is a horrible illness but unlike other illnesses there are some things that the main carer can get away with and this is one of them. Sometimes you need to tell a little love lie and this will get you through all sorts of things and you will need to tell quite a few love lies because you love your mum.
Once again good luck and enjoy your holiday you deserve it.
MaNaAk
