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My Sweet RAC shadows me constantly! I fully understand why he does it but it makes me crazy! If I get up from my chair in the living room, he pops up within a couple of seconds and waits for my next move. He stands in the middle of the kitchen while I prepare meals or clean up; he comes into the bathroom when I'm there. He is unable to do the simplest things independently - no attention span for watching TV or folding towels, etc. and the only way he can "help" in the kitchen is if we… read more
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Members connected deeply over the exhausting reality of shadowing, where a loved one with dementia follows their caregiver everywhere, making... Read more
I know what you mean! I am so afraid of losing myself in this long process. I am working hard to myself be true, but it is so hard. Hugs to you!!!
It might help to get a caregiver in for your mom while you are there as well. It's all about baby steps in my experience. With you there as well it may feel more like a friend. the 2 of them could cook together, or do little chores so that your mom gets comfortable with having someone else there, then you might be able to get out for a bit. I hope this helps. Stay strong. Make memories.
The Mayo Clinic has an excellent article on Shadowing and also some references to other articles concerning Alz. I find their articles to be factual and very helpful. - Bless you for your patience. It takes everything you have to respond so lovingly. Lots of hugs.
Check out Teepa Snow on UTube also shadowing on UTube. Hugs
Thank you for the words of wisdom and encouragement, @A myALZteam Member. Fortunately I live in a suburb of Dallas, TX so there are quite a few resources even if some are a bit of a drive. The 10 hours is made available by three wonderful area churches who have programs for my husband at little or no cost. This is becoming more common as churches realize the huge need within their congregations and their communities. I'm working on a plan to have more regular paid caregivers in our home to allow me more time for exercise, voice lessons and other things I enjoy. I'm glad you recognize that we all need a lot of support - I think acknowledging this is an important service of this group. Some people need a lot of encouragement to stand up for themselves and to understand that this is the only way they can be the caregivers our loved ones need. I'm so determined this disease is not going to take both of us as it did for my husband's parents.
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