Hi,
Just wondering if there are other carers that are in a similar situation to me.
I’ve been back here living with my 93 year old Mum for over 2 years. I came back from the States and work from her house (I work on the computer, so have laptop, can work anywhere with good bandwidth). She didn’t want to go into a home, so this was the alternative. I have trust carers that come in 4 times a day to help with toilet needs and to get her dressed and undressed in the mornings and at night (and sometimes I think the carers do me good too as they are someone to talk to - they help keep me sane).
Because I work American hours, I work til late at night. Although I get a break some times at the weekend as I have siblings that live locally, it’s not a lot of time that I have for myself. The biggest thing that I have to deal with is having to live by a time table and having to get up a night to help her with toilet needs. Having to listen to the baby monitor at night has meant that even on nights when I get an occasional break (sometimes there is a paid carer), my sleep isn’t good which has been affecting me mentally. This has resulted in me going on to anxiety medication.
Although I try to get away by myself for a few hours at the weekend (and sometimes I might meet with friends and go see a movie or something), it doesn’t make a big dent in my anxiety levels as it’s right back into care mode right after it.
I know exercise helps me and I joined a gym and sometimes go late at night after I finish work (it’s a 24 hour gym). But it takes a long time to come down from that after.
Just wondering what others do to help with anxiety and “get your head right”.
thanks
