Tips For Caregiver's

People with Alzheimer's disease frequently become more disoriented after dark or when waking. Leaving a night-light on in the bedroom may be helpful.

~WebMd

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Time Management

Last week, I just started the fifth class in my MBA program (almost 33.3% complete). It is pretty demanding. I find myself coming home from work, cooking dinner which includes eating and chatting with hubby and kids, starting homework to finish the team assignments on time. I strongly dislike team assignments! Once completed, the hubby needs attention, which I gratefully love to give. But... I have not spent anytime with grandma and the night is over.

I cannot spend six weeks (class duration) without allotting quality time to grandma. How do I manage this? Not only will Muddear have forgotten again who I am, I am also afraid that we may experience another repeat of the confusion prior to her fall. Remember? The 3 to 4 week period when Muddear fussed at me almost daily for impersonating the owner of my home and having an affair with my husband.

So, I ask again... How do I manage this better?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog. I am a caregiver, too, for my dad. I don't have any advice for your dilemma, but I wanted to tell you that it's wonderful to find someone else in a similar situation.

Janice and Jessica said...

I too am a caregiver except for my husband not a parent. I am 45 and he is 59 and has vascular dementia. He was recently admitted to a nursing care facility because he is violent and agressive. The caregiving does not end just because they are not under your roof. You still have to fight the battle everyday. I have no words of wisdom about how to fit it all in. I found your blog about 3 months ago but this is the first time I commented. All I know is for me, I had to step back and let go. I couldn't do it all. You have to take care of yourself, if something happens to the caregiver then what will happen to your loved one? Keep that in mind when things seem too much. I will send good thoughts to you and Alanna.

njm said...

Janice and Alanna,

It is nice to meet both of you. Thank you for stopping by, reading, and commenting. Sometimes caregiving is really hard - especially when there isn't a way to fit in all of life's responsibilities.

Thank you for your encouragement and keeping us in thoughts and prayers. I will do the same for you as well.

experienced healthcare professional said...

Has anyone suggest joining yahoo health groups such as Alzheimers
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/alzheimers/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=3
for support
by Susan Berg
http://dementiatips.blogspot.com

njm said...

experienced healthcare professional,

I think support groups are great. My husband and I have thought about joining a support group or even hosting one.

Unfortunately, it always feels like one extra thing to do. Another thing that I have to find a caregiver for in my absence.

So we still straddle the fence.