Caring for someone with Dementia takes a lot of time, as many tasks are no longer shared. I now organise the medication and appointments, fill in the forms, sort out the diary and finances, as well as having sole responsibility for all domestic tasks including shopping and preparation of meals. On the whole, I don’t mind, though I’m not a great lover of domesticity! So my resolution last year for 2024 was to re-invent myself in order to cope. I gave up some of my voluntary work and only retained those activities which I enjoyed. I tried a few new things, some successful, some disastrous, and, when we could afford it, I bought in some additional help. Being a carer can be quite isolating, so getting out and meeting people was and still is an essential part of my survival kit. Sometimes I've had to show great strength and insist on time for myself. Chris and I had done so much together in the past, and he found it difficult to understand that he couldn’t always accompany me anymor...
The purpose of this blog is to chart my journey as an unpaid carer for my husband. If it gives even one other carer or professional or supporter a clearer understanding of the highs and lows, then it's worth the effort.