Have you investigated what help there is for YOU? Several things come to my mind.
Support Groups and Networks. There should be a group in your comunity for loved ones and support persons of those with dementia and alzheimers. Investigate too if there is a support group for caregivers.
Respite care. As he is already in the Home Care system this ought not to be difficult to arrange. Respite is when you are able to temporarily place the ill person into care (like for a weekend). This allows the primary caregiver an opportunity for their own much needed break. In some cases, respite is also used as an opportunity to observe and evaluate the ill person to guage the extent of their illness and draw up a plan for their needs.
Have you taken any kind of caregiving training? Some communities have courses for this. In addition to training in how to care for someone I believe they also spend time on self-care, balancing your own needs with that of the person being cared for.
|