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I am fortunate to get a 6 hour block of respite time every week, but I have fallen into a habit of spending my time driving 45 minutes to the nearest city to shopping for groceries and drugstore supplies for mom, then indulging in a fast food lunch before driving home again. I can't meet with friends since this is during time when they are all at work. What can I do to fill this time when I am usually alone?

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I did the same thing attended elderly planning shows, shopped, still doing for mom even educating myself about dementia! It is our lives, we eat, drink and breathe it. Once I went to a movie. What movie? Still Alice! LOL! I got to the point that I would go to a park, read, a friend's vacant house, nap, just spend time by myself to regroup for the coming week

Wouldn't you be able to meet a friend even for lunch, or coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Panera was my favorite!
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Oh the plans I had..!

I slept, mainly.
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Respite time -- I go for a hike or to the gym or to hunt down hapless victims to talk to.
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My respite time from caring for my husband is running errands and visiting my Mom in AL who also has dementia. Sometimes I have time to do lunch with friends or just go to the park and walk or read. Nice to just get out of the house even if you know what is waiting for you when you return.
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I get all day Friday. 8 am to 4 pm.

I go work on the RV. It's been too cold to really get much done...but I have it gutted finally! The rebuild starts this week! Meanwhile, I actually pour through the RV parts catalog like it was a wish book!

Well...it's keeping me sane, what can I say.
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JessieBelle, you made me laugh! Hapless victims - LOL We do go a little stir crazy at times, don't we?
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I hit the gym or long distance walk. If I don't exercise I feel as if I'll lose my mind. This time for me is my saving grace. I am fortunate to have my husband to be with mom so I don't have to think of anything but what I am doing.
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Hmm, so far we've got shopping, sleeping, exercise and forcing conversation on to innocent bystanders. Aren't we an exciting bunch? LOL
I like the sound of Katiekate's days off, it must feel satisfying to actually accomplish something!
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Our library has a lot of things going on, if anyone needs suggestions, check there. If you have the same time frame off weekly, sign up for a class through the adult educationprograms run by school districts (at least in my area).
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I don't provide care in the home, but, I recall before my LO was placed. I just tried to sit down and relax my body. I stayed wrapped up tight as a tick. Have you tried getting a massage? I really enjoy that. Also, mani and pedi (foot massage.) I like the kind with the massage chair.

Also, if you have access to a gym in your area, I'd look for one that has a lounge. That makes it nice to curl up on the couch after a work out and watch some tv, read or just take a nap. Some also have a smoothie bar on premises, Yoga classes, etc.  It can provide a place of your own so to speak that you can hang out, without being on call.  You can make friends there as well. 
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What I do doesn't qualify for respite time, but when I have some time to myself I catch up on schoolwork, play with the dog, housework, and play video games.
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And spend time on AC. LOL!
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