For those who didn't know, I took five days respite care, with my husband going to a Hospice Hospital while I attended a conference in Southern California. It will take a while to catch up with these boards, so I thought I would open a new discussion. I'm going to go into some detail, for those of you who are my family here....the rest can skip it or skim it! The reason for posting is to help those who NEED respite from caregiving and those who will need it - and may I say, I needed it. I feel much more refreshed, able to cope with my responsibilities, my job, and most of all - the care of my husband. Whether you can get respite care with relatives, or Hospice, or In-home care, it is worth it! Your health and well being are worth it.
My trip was a great success! I had good flights, no delays, no lost luggage, and beautiful southern California weather! The seminars were educational, and I was able to reunite with many friends I haven't seen in a couple of years. We rented a car the first afternoon before the conference began and drove to Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. WOW! The cars were all BMWs, Lexus and Mercedes! If you saw a Toyota, it probably belonged to the maid or gardner! We found our way to the actual beach, and walked for a while, and I found a couple of seashells and a small rock to add to my collection. The meal we had at Las Brisasoverlooking the coast and the food was fabulous, and the next night we went back to Laguna Beach with others, and had another great meal at Javier's. I love Mexican food!
I arrived back in town last night about 10 p.m., and Drew and I went immediately to pick up my husband. He had walked around the ward most of the days I was gone and tried each door leaving the Alzheimer's ward, trying to leave! Drew said that they put a sign on the doors to "make certain that the doors were closed and locked since Mr. ******* was walking!" <grin> His legs either have gotten stronger, or his determination to find me overcame the weakness. When I walked in to his room, they were helping him put on his shoes so that he could go home, and when I said "Hi, honey! Are you ready to go home?" he looked at me and SMILED!!!!! Once he was on his feet, he was a little unsteady, and held my arm and that was the last facial expression I saw last night or this morning. For a brief instant, he was there! The hospital staff said that he was a doll and a pleasure. I'm so glad he was on his best behavior! He slept well last night and so did I! He only had to get up once. For me, that is a great night's sleep! <grin>
I feel so much better, and I'm glad that he did so much better this time. I'm taking my once a month respite through the Hospice Hospital each month from now on, because it will help me survive this next year. I wish the rest of you had this opportunity. Your body and mind get back to normal and help you deal with everything better. A few hours out is nice, but 4 days is better!
Mary, it's wonderful to hear how much good your time away did you, and how well Dave did while you were gone. I know you have that smile of his tucked away in your memory for frequent recall.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Good for you, Mary! When respite is available, everyone should take advantage of it. We talk often of our spouses being "in there" somewhere, but the same is true of US. We, as someone besides a caregiver, are "in there", and respite helps us realize that.
Mary welcome back! This is just what you needed! I am glad you found such a wonderful place to help you to have some time to yourself. My DH is ok to leave and is not demanding but I know when the time comes, I will be looking for a weekend once a month!