When you actually get free time from your caregiving duties, what do you do?

You know, one thing that I wished I had done with my grandparents before they died, was to have them record their lives as kids, teenagers etc. so I would always have that knowledge after they were gone. Some things I know because of my mom telling me, but now that she's gone too that option is a thing of the past. (pun intended) ha.

I'M REACHING OUT TO ALL CAREGIVERS ESPECIALLY ONCES WHO WORKS & 24/7 TAKING CARE OF A LOVE ONE WHO HAS DEMINTIA. EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT THE CAREGIVER....."NOT ENOUGH TIME OR EMPHASIS PLACE ON THE CAREGIVING ASPECTS" THIS WAS SAID BY MR ERIC J. HALL PRESIDENT & FOUNDING CHIEF EXECUTIVEOF THE ALZHEIMER'S FOUNDATION.

IF WE ALL BAND TOGETHER MAYBE THEY WILL HEAR OUR VOICE!! IF WE ALL START WRITING LETTERS TO LOCAL POLITICIANS AND EVEN OUR PRESIDENT!! I'VE BEEN WRITING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BUT IT WOULD BE MORE EFFECT IF WE ALL STARTED.

SO WHAT TO YOU THINK.......CAN WE DO IT!!

My mom fell and broke her hip recently. Taking care of her 24/7 is hard work. Now she's healing and walking better. I say pray for an hour, sleep, get out of the house, or do what every you can to take your mind off of your problems. Most people do not understand what you are going thru unless they have been thru it themselves. These things have their ups and downs, their good days and their bad days. It's very rewarding knowing you have done the best you can. If possible get some help, because you must escape grief all the time. Even if the patient becomes angry with you, just know you do make a difference. My mom would lash out at me just about everyday until I took her back home. I could only take a 30 day leave from work. I haven't lived 24/7 with my mom in over 30 years. She taught me a lot during those 30 days. She is tough as steel. She's 84 years old. I am grateful to her, to demonstrate her true strength to me as she recovers. I now have a deeper understanding of the role of a caregiver.

Your answer will have to come from you because only you know what makes you happy and that's what you need to do in your spare time. For me, I take care of myself by getting my hair done or my nails done or a facial. Groupons make this possible as they are very inexpensive. I have a butterfly garden that I started 4 years ago and it brings me great joy as we now have numerous butterflies and regular Birds that frequent are home and even my 94 year old father loves to see them. I also have two Maltese rescue dogs that give both my dad and me great love and comfort. We have a great cable TV and internet connection so when I'm here with Dad and need to isolate myself I take a mental vacation that way. Because I am not close with other family members, I volunteered to babysit for an adorable five year old neighbor who has become a member of the family and brings great joy to both dad and me although she spends most of her time with me. She calls the shots about what we do like watch cartoons or sing songs or play with toys but she is a joy and takes me totally out of my life into hers. Hope this helps you come up with something that works for you. I started by making a list which really helped. Think of it as a bucket list.

My husband has Parkinson's Disease and cannot be left alone now. I try to make it a point to meet my sisters at least once a year to get a break. His daughter stays with him if she is able (she is a teacher). My sisters and I just catch up and relax for a couple days. The men in our church come in pairs to sit with him while I go for doctor visits etc. I also attend a monthly caretaker's meeting.

I go to church, to bible study and I get a massage once a week for 30 mins. I've had to cut the budget seriously in irder to afford the massage!

Oh a massage sounds fantastic.

I would get a few hours a day for myself....I would take a book, a lunch and go to the nearest creek & unwind. Eat my lunch, read & walk up & down the creek watching the minnows. This was extremely restful & re-energizing. No Worries for a little while.
Good Luck!

I have tried to develop some interests that do not require me to leave home. One was for others :I send cards or write people that are ill. Anyone older seems to treasure cards or letters. The rest were for myself: The next interest was knitting so that I can listen but not have to be still. The third interest was to start a tiny garden. And the last was to find stretching exercises that help me stay a little healthier. I have a few friends that I treasure who visit and are comfortable with my current care -giving situation. Like other members on this site, my church has been a huge help with finding ways for me to get a little bit of time away from home. Caregiving is tough but truly worth the time we all give. Always lean on this site when you feel like screaming. People will answer. Take care.

I go home and sorta try to catch up on house cleaning and play with my cat or work in yard or try to nap....best case senario! Usually i have to run errands to get this and that.