I have been pretty much house bound caring for my husband since Nov 2018. I was able to go on quilting retreats about once a month from the time I retired in 2012 until Nov 2018.
My family loves to go on all family vacations, and I have had to turn down the invites. This year they are planning to go to Rosemary Beach in Florida in Aug. So today, I started looking into Respite Care, thanks to my wonderful caregiver. On May 3, I am going to tour 2 facilities to see what they have to offer to take care of him for a week. Then, I'll have a better idea of what will be available when the time comes.
Which might be sooner than I had thought, because today he told me he knew my name. But he didn't think we were married. Even tho "Janie" ( the name of my grandmother's caregiver 35 years ago) said we were.
Shedding tears is natural. Wishing you all the best as you move forward. Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
But it all just seems so final. That i have given up all hope of him ever getting better. Which i know in my head he never will. But its just so hard and so damned sad.
I'd image there will be nerves being away the first time, but hopefully they settle quickly & it becomes a really positive change to your lives.
Respite is taking care of BOTH of you. Well done for taking this step.