On My Mind... 8/28/2010 at 4:52 pm
Why is it that all posts on this website and other websites deal with a parent with Alzheimers or Dementia? My Husband has dementia. I never see spouses talking about caregiving for the love of thei
...Read MoreWhy is it that all posts on this website and other websites deal with a parent with Alzheimers or Dementia? My Husband has dementia. I never see spouses talking about caregiving for the love of their life. Granted, there are probably more folks out there dealing with a parent but there are those of us who are watching our spouses die as well. My husband was diagnosed 4 years ago. His Mother and all of her five siblings died of Alzheimers. We never thought about getting long term care insurance and now cannot get it because he has been diagnosed. There's that "pre-existing condition" crap. So we are left in financial straits. I am more than happy to spend this time with my Husband even though we have our moments. I adore him and he tells me everyday how much he loves me even if it is a bad day. I do not want to miss any of the time we have left together. I took a vow "in sickness and in health" and I certainly intend to keep my word. He is a very sweet and caring man. I had to quit my job to take care of him. I hate to see this happening to him. It breaks my heart each and every day. Our cat, Jasmine, is his girl. I am so thankful we adopted her a couple of years ago. She can sense also that something is wrong. But no matter what he does to her for instances, stepping on her tail unintentionally of course, she still loves him as do I. He has begun getting up at night and changing his clothes. It can be very irritating and I get cranky. But most times I am able to be patient with him. It is so difficult. Caregivers give up their lives to take care of their loved one.
We Caregivers that are taking care of their spouses need to talk to each other on this website. I used to go to an Alzheimer's support group but it was a joke. It was nothing but a yelling match and you couldn't get a word in. I quit going because it did no good. Everyone there was also taking care of a parent.
So Spouse caregivers let's get it together shall we? Let's talk amongs ourselves!!! Thanks for letting me vent.