Respite care

Jane.B

Registered User
Dec 7, 2007
164
0
87
Hampshire
I have just left my husband at the local nursing home for two weeks respite care, but although I know that he's well looked after there, (when we arrived he was greeted with "how lovely to see you, your looking younger than ever") I always feel a bit guilty, because I've got so much arranged that I'm going to do, away for a week and lots of family visits.
I'm not supoposed to visit him there, because it's my time of rest, but his daughters will visit. Even though he doesn't know who they are, he loves it when they give him a cuddle.
This is the third time he's been this year, and he's booked in about every 7 or 8 weeks until the end of the year.
 

helen.tomlinson

Registered User
Mar 27, 2008
541
0
Hello Jane B

I think feeling guilty is par for the course but at least you don't let the feeling of guilt dominate what you do.

Your husband is being well looked after and I hope you have a good time and a well earned rest.

Love Helen
 

blue sea

Registered User
Aug 24, 2005
270
0
England
Dear Jane
Enjoy your time, knowing you will be refreshed and better able to continue your caring in a way that benefits you and your husband. Nice for your daughters to have special time with their dad too; even if he doesn't recognize them, his response to them is very positive and I'm sure they will feel good that they can help you have a break too.
Blue sea
 

Skye

Registered User
Aug 29, 2006
17,000
0
SW Scotland
Dear Jane

Hope you have a lovely break. Try not to feel guilty, the rest will do you good, and your husband is obviously not unhappy in the NH.

Have a great time.

Love,
 

ROSEANN

Registered User
Oct 1, 2006
909
0
75
staffordshire
Dear Jane
Hope you have a good break.
I am waiting at the moment for my husband to go into respite as I am desperate for a break but at the same time I am worried to death about leaving him as he has been very depressed and clingy just lately.
Like you my girls will visit so I will put my trust in them.
Take care Roseann
 

Nutty Nan

Registered User
Nov 2, 2003
801
0
Buckinghamshire
My heart goes out to you, Jane - the only way I have ever been able to conquer the guilt is by using my 'respite time' to visit my father abroad. If I was within reach of the care home, I'd want to be there morning, noon and night......
Having said that, please do take everyone's advice, make the most of it and cram whatever you can into your two weeks: that way, the time will pass quickly and you can pick up where you left off with hubby.
Enjoy your 'me' time!!
 

Grannie G

Volunteer Moderator
Apr 3, 2006
81,447
0
Kent
Enjoy the respite Jane and don`t feel guilty. Guilt will waste it.
Enjoy the peace, enjoy the freedom, enjoy no demands, enjoy time for yourself.
And feel the benefit, and be ready to return to caring, refreshed and well.
Love xx
 

Jane.B

Registered User
Dec 7, 2007
164
0
87
Hampshire
I was really hoping to be able to get out in the garden to do a little bit of this and that, or just sit in the sun with a good book, but the weather foul at the moment, not garden weather, so today I'm slobbing about at home, tomorrow I'm visiting our eldest daughter, and the day after I'm being taken out for the day by our youngest, next week I'm staying with my two sister's one in Norfolk & one in London, so I'm keeping busy. I don't really feel guilty because I know he's in good hands, it just feels strange not to have him around especially at night.
 

Grannie G

Volunteer Moderator
Apr 3, 2006
81,447
0
Kent
I understand the `strangeness` I keep expecting to hear my husband`s footsteps padding up the hall, bringing me a cup of tea.
It`s as well you have things planned Jane. Shame about the weather. :rolleyes:
Love xx
 

christine_batch

Registered User
Jul 31, 2007
3,387
0
Buckinghamshire
Dear Jane,
When my husband first went into E.M.I. Unit, I was lost & feeling guilty.
My son & DIL took me on holiday for two weeks. I came up with every excuse I could think of not to go but when my son said he would like some quality time with me, I gave in.
During the two weeks holiday I found ME.
I came back so relaxed and refreshed after 5 years of Caring.
So enjoy your break.
Best wishes
Christine