Hi
I have been looking after my 83 yo
Mum with Alzheimer’s full time since 2022 . Since rapid deterioration started 4 weeks ago it has been 27/7 care for me. I have a sitter who started 3 weeks ago and helps me 10 hours a week, one long day a week, this is my respite from local authorities. I am on my own 6 days a week and find it really difficult especially when my mum is psychotic and i can’t even leave the house or do other chores like shopping and cooking. I have always managed to look after myself: fitness, walks and other meditating activities. Until 4 weeks ago it was possible to do a bit of everything to be healthy both physically and mentally , as it was safe to leave mum in the house for up to 2 hours. Not any more. I am struggling to have any “me” time at the moment and it is ruining my mental health. Due to my mum’s complex health needs ( psychotic episodes every day, hence 1:1 24/7 care) any respite away from home is not possible. Local authorities keep saying they understand how hard it is but no practical solution .. everything takes ages to look at! I have already told them and memory clinic people I am not coping on my own and don’t know for how long I can last. Are there any carers here in a similar situation? How do you cope under such stress and pressure? I have lost hope that I can get more help from LA to continue caring after my mum and it makes me very sad and frustrated.
I have been looking after my 83 yo
Mum with Alzheimer’s full time since 2022 . Since rapid deterioration started 4 weeks ago it has been 27/7 care for me. I have a sitter who started 3 weeks ago and helps me 10 hours a week, one long day a week, this is my respite from local authorities. I am on my own 6 days a week and find it really difficult especially when my mum is psychotic and i can’t even leave the house or do other chores like shopping and cooking. I have always managed to look after myself: fitness, walks and other meditating activities. Until 4 weeks ago it was possible to do a bit of everything to be healthy both physically and mentally , as it was safe to leave mum in the house for up to 2 hours. Not any more. I am struggling to have any “me” time at the moment and it is ruining my mental health. Due to my mum’s complex health needs ( psychotic episodes every day, hence 1:1 24/7 care) any respite away from home is not possible. Local authorities keep saying they understand how hard it is but no practical solution .. everything takes ages to look at! I have already told them and memory clinic people I am not coping on my own and don’t know for how long I can last. Are there any carers here in a similar situation? How do you cope under such stress and pressure? I have lost hope that I can get more help from LA to continue caring after my mum and it makes me very sad and frustrated.
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