I decided finally that I needed to begin going to a support group regularly. I'd been to the Alz Assn one, but that was SOOO depressing it was not helpful. Perhaps when I get to the point that I need to deal with those issues in later stages.... But for now My EOAD DH can be home alone while I work full time. Our city has several Caregiver's Groups. I am going to one through the Area Agency on Aging. Half of the program related to caregiving for parents, BUT there was a whole hour of stories and laughter only caregivers can appreciate. That one hour was the best in my whole last year. So my suggestion to all: find a support group that incorporates laughter.

Stress Relief tip #1: My daughter suggested this from the movie "Anger Management" (Jack Nicholson/Adam Sandler)... When stress, move arms up and down in front of your body as if you are honoring a sultan and say "goosefraba." This works for me to relieve stress. Do it until you feel better. Doesn't usually take me long. It works best if standing. We tried this last night and those are Caregiver Support liked it and are adopting it too.

Stress Relief tip #2: I learned this from EAP here at work... We should all laugh deeply daily. It's nearly impossible for me to find something that is sustainably funny day after day. The counselor suggested that the same benefit can be derived from the following... Say the 'short u' sound aloud over and over as fast as you can. u-u-u-u-u-u-etc. I'm not sure whether it's the deeper breathing or the fact this sounds so ridiculous...I end of laughing and I've been at this a week. The Group last night experienced the same thing.

Hope this helps!

And a goosefraba to you, too. I am chuckling :0)

I miss the laughter. It seems like my DH and I spent years laughing together. Now he no longer understands my sense of humor and I need to be careful not to make comments that he won't understand as humor. I like watching America's Funniest Videos too. They can be really funny.