Any conversations from spouses caring for mate with Alzheimer's?

Hello Lil and welcome, I am also a spouse caring for her husband with Alzheimer's. He is 85 in late 6 early 7 stage. Like you also one day is great the next purgatory. I don't live far out of town like you but it really does not make a difference as I'm confined in my home with my husband, even short visits to a neighbors have ended about 6 months ago as he just worries himself crazy about our two dogs at home. He's much more content at home so that's where we stay. Please keep writing, I know what you are going through and so do many others on this thread so stay right here and get it all out. Hugs to you

I see you live on a Texas ranch, which you are running with one hired man. Wow!

I lived in a suburban house and worked full-time from home to support us. Whatever our situations it is truly amazing how we find the strength and the compassion to care for our spouses who have dementia.

The being fine with it one day, and grateful for the special connection, and crying over it the next is absolutely normal. We know that dementia symptoms fluctuate, but less is said about our own fluctuating strength and compassion.

One way to minimize the "bad" moments is to get regular respite. I am glad to read in your profile that you have found ways to arrange this at least sometime. I hope you can do more of that. It helps to get away for a while.

Meanwhile, be assured that frustration and sadness go with the caregiving role.

New to this site and think I put a lot into my profile rather than this point. It was good therapy regardless. I am wondering if other spouses go from being thankful and feeling blessed for the situation they are in (location, etc) to fighting the tears the next day. I do well most of the time, but I have my moments. I have given up friends, family, activities, to live with my husband on a ranch where he is happier and safer than our other home. But, we are isolated....32 miles from closest neighbor and 75 miles from the nearest "quart of milk". Think I saw a section somewhere on this site that we could "whine" or fuss or just visit, so I guess that is what I need. Just an outlet for frustration and sadness and just a little bit of " pity party" occasionally.

Many persons on this forum care for a spouse with dementia. Ask a question or leave a comment to start such a conversation.