[r010159]

I just had my impromptu crisis, one that came from nowhere. But so far besides being a little agitated with my hands shaking, I am handling this better than I expected. I am a little depressed, but it is still manageable. This is the good news.

My mother's caretaker quit with no notice. He ended up with some bed bug bites which has been an ongoing problem for several months now. He "panicked" this time and immediately went to the doctor over those bites. The caretaker service that he works for is not sending out anyone until the problem is resolved. I have been with an exterminating service all this time, and they come out periodically to spray for bedbugs, besides coming when I call them. He knew about this problem ever since its beginning. He has been bitten before this time. His service knew about the bedbugs for months now. I do not know what else to do. So even though I understand the position of the caretaking service, I am still without a caretaker.

I suspect the caretaker had other just as significant reasons for quitting. He simply was not working out. And he knew this. He could not stick to a schedule outlined by his boss. And he does not know how to take care of a person with dementia. So I think he has his own agenda in place here. But since the bedbugs are real, I still need to take care of them before I can get another caretaker. I just do not know what to do.

I feel depressed and agitated. Just an hour ago I was feeling fine albeit a little anxious and restless. I am frightened that I will spiral into depression. I am thinking of taking a walk to help calm my nerves.

What do you think? What are some coping strategies that I can use? Anyone with experience in this area of caretaking ?

[Victoria'smom]

Is your mom in dayhab?

[r010159]

Originally Posted by Miguel'smom

Is your mom in dayhab?

No. Perhaps that is possible. Good idea! Maybe I can call the Council on Aging for a list of providers. But I do not know how my mother with dementia will handle this new situation.

[Victoria'smom]

They are really good at calming and making the person feel at home during the day but the transition daily is hell its like the first day of school every day. My grandma was lucky that my grandpas dayhab was in a senior community with an assisted living area every night he didn't want to go home. I think there were to many people to hit on. Eventually he stayed because of sundowning and swallowing issues.

[r010159]

Instead of feeling really depressed, I am anxious and restless and want something to do with this energy. If I just sit there preoccupied with my thoughts, I do tend to feel a little depressed.

However, I am stuck here at home due to my mothers illness. C'est la vie! (such is life).

[Victoria'smom]

Can you get a punching bag?

I wish I had some great suggestions for you. I don't, but I hope you're doing okay.