I need help mentally due to wife’s illness. Any advice?

I work in a Memory Care Assisted Living community as a receptionist. There are quite a few gentleman who've placed their wives in here and come visit TWICE a DAY, taking them to dinner and sometimes even lunch. They come every single day, they visit, they take walks around the grounds, they take drives, etc. They haven't 'abandoned' their wives; instead, they've chosen to provide a safe haven for them 24/7 where their needs are tended to, but where they can also have lives of their own.
It's something to consider if things get to be too much for you.
All the best

I can identify with your feelings completely. I have been dealing with my husbands dementia for over a year. At first I was so involved with learning as much as I could about dementia and caregiving that I didn't recognize the depression that was creeping in. I found myself sitting In my recliner all day long, day after day for over six months. I finally made the decision to get some home health care 3 afternoons a week. This allowed me to get out of the house and be my own self a few hours 3 days a week. The cloud lifted almost immediately once I knew my husband was safe and well taken care of.
Yes it is expensive and it took a while for me to decide “I” was worth it but I am now happier for myself and I don’t resent my husband for getting sick. He will not get better, but I can now face the future knowing that there is life to live. Maybe not the way it was but still worth living.

Sounds like you are swinging back and forward from feeling like you have no time for yourself and your interests, and then realise time with her is also short. It sounds like you might even be experiencing panic? If so, try to slow down and not project into the future. Stay in the present moment, and take one day at a time. Definitely schedule in some "man cave" time by spending time of your day tinkering or whatever you enjoy. You need this time to regenerate and retreating into your cave will definitely restore some of your lost energy and will be very nourishing to you - which is what you need right now.

Guilt is an emotion without a useful purpose. It serves only to worsen an already difficult life situation, that is to say, most people would empathize with your situation and offer compassion and understanding. Guilt only serves to prevent you giving your self the compassion and understanding you need.

See that what you feel is normal, that there is bound to be some ambivalence about the situation, that you are only human, that you have needs, that it's ok for you to want to live your life and do the things you enjoy.

It might be that it is getting too much for you.  You've done well, and putting her in a NH or memory care does not mean you abandon her.  Good luck deciding, it is never easy.  We also do piecemeal grieving as health is taken away.

Does your wife need or expect your care 24/7 or do just feel that is your obligation? Can you take time for some activities of your own? If she needs constant care or supervision, you might be able to find an Adult Day Care program a few days or hours a week. If she can manage at home alone, does she object if you leave for awhile?

Yes, you will feel devastated and adrift for a while if she dies before you do, but most of her ailments do not sound immediately terminal.

i can absolutely understand how you feel. I did it for over two years. As she got worse I was restricted to where we could go. Eventually I hired a companion for her so I could go somewhere. Usually that would be to a store for food or special needs for her or me. there were only two friends that ever visited. The other visitors were the OT, the Pt and the nurse.
Feeling guilty is normal. Even when I did get out I worried, a lot. Near the end I was so worn out and starting to feel the pain of lifting her and started to think about putting her in a home. Unfortunately she took a turn for the worst and passed shortly after that. I still feel like I did not do enough for her.
As others have said here, even if you put her into a home of any sort, you can visit her as often as you feel there is a need or desire.
When she was in the hospital and rehab I was there every day and helped the staff with her needs.
I was then able to go home, late in the day or night and get some reasonable sleep so I could it all over the next day.
I think you should look for a day care to free you up for a little R&R.
Oh, I forgot, I just turned 72 and starting to get out in public again. Still no real friends though.

I can understand your feelings. I am in the same situation you are in. My husband is solely dependent  He has Neurology which put him in a wheelchair. Also has  mild Parkinson's and some dementia.  I too, have mixed feelings. Some days I am so happy to be with him and take care of him. I would miss him terribly if he goes to a nursing home (which he really needs) Other days I am resentful. I cannot leave him too long, he cannot get to the bathroom by himself. He cannot prepare a simple sandwich. I too, feel repressed at times. I am 80 and people do not believe my age. I am healthy and strong, and attractive and feel some of my life is being swallowed away Maybe this sounds conceited of me but it is how I feel. I love him dearly and am sooo confused. You are not alone with your feelings.  We just keep chugging along. There's no answer.

You really have nothing to feel guilty about. You have love and cared for your wife for many years (including when she was healthier) and you have gone as far as you can in taking care of her. Her health is above your pay; in other words, her needs are far beyond what you can do! I believe some times loving someone is letting go of them. I don't mean for you to walk out of her life and never see her again, but perhaps it is time to have professionals take over her day-to-day care and needs then you can visit her and just support and love her. Yes, this is easier said than done, but really, what is best for both of you? Resentment is not a good feeling to have for the one you love!

I really am sorry that you are in this terrible situation. It is a tough spot to find yourself in.

Live your life and take care of yourself. Every thing you are feeling is normal!

Others will show up with better advice.

No matter your age self-care is key to being able to cope properly with all the feelings and emotions you are experiencing. it is also key to being the best caregiver you can be.

Give yourself permission to experience these feelings, and own them. Don't feel guilty for them. Taking time for your own mental wellness and even physical wellness will help reduce feelings of guilt.

If your wife has encouraged you to take care of yourself, you will be a blessing to her if you show her you are.

Praying for peace for you and strength as you care for your loved one.