I have been caring for my husband for 20 years. His health has deteriorated badly in the last 5 years. He has heart problems, mobility and the early stages of Lewy Body. What is wearing me down now is the equipment round the house. The way the furniture has had to be moved to fit in the upright chair and to make space for the zimmer frame. Rugs not allowed. All the bath and toilet stuff. Wheelchair, boxes of pullups, and most of all the grab rails. This is not my home any more. Does anyone else feel this way?
@20yearslater Welcome to the forum. You’ve obviously been going through so much over 20 years. I’m aware of how Lewy Body Dementia can lead to a lot of changes in someone. You’re dealing with a lot.
I hear what you’re saying - making the house functional and safe means it can feel less homely and it can also start feeling more like a care home or hospital than a sink-into comfortable nest.
When we were caring for Dad every rug was a trip hazard and we made things ‘easy to get around’ because there were so many falls. Things are different these days, but I remember the ones with dad like it was yesterday instead of 6 years ago.
For me, my bedroom was my space - there was no time or brainspace to make it cosy, but having1-2 hours of my own at the end of the day in that space created a bubble
Do you have a chair or small space you can claim as your own, retreat space?
Do you have friends that you can chat to locally or online? I’m hoping you’ve some support at home - e.g. someone who can sit with your husband for half an hour?
All of the ‘stuff’ must feel overwhelming…I think only carers really get just how MUCH of the stuff there is and often we have to buy in bulk to get the discount or have supply on hand - bed pads, pullups, wipes etc
Completely random thought - but you’ll get used to my weird ideas or giggle at them…Can you buy yourself a small plant or bouquet or if you have a garden bring in some flowers? Just to have something pretty on a counter top, just for yourself? Sometimes we need a bright spot to focus on amongst all the Stuff! Feel free to ignore the random thought
Sending a warm hug. Feel free to vent as much as you like we all get it! xo
A post was split to a new topic: Accessible lodges. They are applying to build 2 more and the council is saying they don’t believe there is enough demand!