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My grandpa is in his 70's and able bodied- his wife had foot surgery, can't get around well and is losing her memory. She is very 'dependent' on him physically and emotionally and yells at him a lot. He told me today he is burned out. How can he talk to her about taking some 'time away' to recharge his batteries, without insulting the fact that they are married, etc. He'd like to go fishing for a couple days. Any tips I can share with him to breech a difficult conversation with her?

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Here's an idea, is there a chance that you can take Grandma to your home for a few days? That would give your Grandpa a chance to do what he wants, without the need for a conversation between them.
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She can't come to my house because I live with several other people in their 20's & 30's, but I've offered to go stay with her for a couple days. I'm just worried she'll be insulted that he needs time away and get really upset, and that may prevent him from taking the time he needs...Hopefully she sees it as an opportunity for fun for her too!
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When he fishes, does he keep them or throw them back? If the former, he could be providing for some cheaper meals - fish are pretty expensive in grocery stores.

What does your grandmother like to do that she could do alone - i.e., how can she benefit from a weekend with the girls, or with her friends? If she can see this as a benefit, it might lessen the impact of your grandfather's needing his own private time.

On the other hand, would she like to go with him? If you know she wouldn't want to, then ask her in anticipation of her saying no.

I'm wondering if they both wouldn't benefit by pursuing separate interests from home. Are there any senior, volunteer, animal rescue, creative, etc., activities that either might enjoy?
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These are all very good suggestions. I think there will be a way to gracefully arrange a couple days of vacation for him that will still allow her to 'save face.' She has a couple hobbies and a great sense of humor generally, I think this could work out, Thanks!
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Pedcar, the more I think about this don't forget foot surgery for someone in their 70's isn't the quickest of recoveries, and probably very painful to stand for any length of time. Pain at our age [I am pushing 70 myself] is very very exhausting.

Grandpa probably doesn't want to keep doing the housework, and I bet he was totally surprised about all the work that is involved so no wonder he is burnt out.... Grandma probably has been burnt out doing all that work herself when she was able bodied, too. Did she get to go away for a couple days of fishing? Or whatever?
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