This thread is old, but I hesitate to start a new one . . . on a stale old problem.

I'm failing to even brush my teeth twice a day. I'm in the same old night gown now for days. I think I might call the social worker at the VA and say I have to step back from caring for my boyfriend . . . at least temporarily.

I don't know how that's going to work out. I was up at 4 a.m. this morning, giving him a shower. He had an episode of incontinence making that necessary. I didn't mind doing the shower, but I see where I can't leave him with a paid care giver at night, when this might happen. So hiring more care givers won't give me the break I now feel I need. I'll still be afraid to leave him at night.

I didn't worry so much when he was in facilities. At night, I went home and slept okay, figuring there was staff of multiple persons to care for him.

But this is the holiday season. I had told myself to just hang in there till we get through Christmas. But I feel like I can't hang in there. Maybe if I could get a two week break and then go back to caring for him.

I'm back in bed. He's eating a bowl of cereal with bananas. I told him I'll get back up in a little while.

We're supposed to go out for dinner this afternoon. Somehow, I have to at least manage that.