I've just had a week away (down the South Coast of NSW) with beloved hubby and a couple who are our very good friends. Ate too much, slept a lot, visited every "tourist trap" in the vicinity!
I was absolutely wrung out, exhausted, severely depressed and basically hanging on by a thread before we went.
I can only say that whilst I'm not a "new person", I'm very much refreshed and better able to "keep on keeping on".
Please, all of you who are feeling at the end of your tether, consider taking a break if you possibly can. I know personal circumstances vary and it isn't always possible, but if you can do ANYTHING to give yourself some "time off" and a bit of extra rest, I can highly recommend it.
For those feeling any guilt about respite, day care or any other "break" from your beloved dementia person, just give that Guilt Monster a HUGE kick! It isn't only necessary to have a break for our own sakes, it is an important part of being able to provide on-going care for the ones we love.
I was absolutely wrung out, exhausted, severely depressed and basically hanging on by a thread before we went.
I can only say that whilst I'm not a "new person", I'm very much refreshed and better able to "keep on keeping on".
Please, all of you who are feeling at the end of your tether, consider taking a break if you possibly can. I know personal circumstances vary and it isn't always possible, but if you can do ANYTHING to give yourself some "time off" and a bit of extra rest, I can highly recommend it.
For those feeling any guilt about respite, day care or any other "break" from your beloved dementia person, just give that Guilt Monster a HUGE kick! It isn't only necessary to have a break for our own sakes, it is an important part of being able to provide on-going care for the ones we love.