HI. We've been married since 1981. My wife has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She functions well with my help. Same questions over and over. Needs detailed help with all the small tasks and fiercely denies her condition. She is sweet and getting more and more innocent in her behavior. She is not the same person, I accept that. I am her care giver. There is no affection other than a peck I initiate. All our friends have basically checked out. Our daily routines give her context. This works for our little world. I'm so lonely, so needing warmth. It feels so far away. Taking care of my own personal needs feels so low, so dire. I'm sure there are so many out there feeling the same. I hope you find a way to make yourself whole.
Every caregiver needs to have some "me" time, and time to be "normal", to be around healthy people.
Can you afford some help so that you can take time out regularly? This is important for your own mental and physical health.
Lots of great advice on here. The little breaks will really help you!! 🙏❤️🍀
Count your many blessings.
Hire a caregiver to come out several times a week.
Get out of the house and do things on your own then: bowling league, mens group, etc.
My Dad would have me come up for several weeks so he could go off on a cruise and I'd stay with Mom then.
You may also want to have your wife go to your local Adult Daycare Center where she can be there up to 5 days a week and 8 hours a day. They serve breakfast, lunch and a snack and have lots of activities to keep your wife as busy as she wants to be. They will even pick her up and drop her off if need be.
Of course there is a charge(but worth every penny)and if money is an issue they do offer financial help.
By taking your wife there it will allow you to get out and do the things that you enjoy and give you a much needed break.
And as a caregiver survivor, I'm here to tell you that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that life does go on after your loved one is gone.
Stay strong and God bless you.