Hi everyone. My 66 year old Dad is the full time carer for my Mum (75) who has Alzheimer's. She lives at home as thankfully she is still mobile and able to attend to her personal care, but she of course suffers from a great deal of confusion with time and place. I have long worried about my Dad and the fact that he never gets a break, but up until now they have both had stimulation and lifelines in the way of a weekly pub trip with their friends, and a weekly group they both attended- Mum gets some activity and Dad gets to chat to other carers. I also spend a full weekend with them once a month, and Mum seems to really be so happy when I'm with them.
Of course now this has all stopped because of Coronavirus, and Mum seems to already be lower in spirits and energy - Dad is feeling very depressed too. Mum seems to confuse him with her brother when they are on their own, but that never happens when I am with them- I guess having her daughter around helps set the context? Anyway I was asking for advice as I'm getting so worried about the potential impact of a prolonged period isolation on their mental health. All my instincts tell me to pack up my things and go to stay with them, either a few days a week or full time, and do my work from there if possible. But of course this might be very irresponsible if I bring infection to the house. Does anyone have any advice please, as I'm so worried. Thank you
Of course now this has all stopped because of Coronavirus, and Mum seems to already be lower in spirits and energy - Dad is feeling very depressed too. Mum seems to confuse him with her brother when they are on their own, but that never happens when I am with them- I guess having her daughter around helps set the context? Anyway I was asking for advice as I'm getting so worried about the potential impact of a prolonged period isolation on their mental health. All my instincts tell me to pack up my things and go to stay with them, either a few days a week or full time, and do my work from there if possible. But of course this might be very irresponsible if I bring infection to the house. Does anyone have any advice please, as I'm so worried. Thank you