27forParkinsons: Day 26 (Tuesday)

Caring for someone you love 24/7 often 'just happens' - often it's a gradual process - sometimes it's not - like most things in life, the experience for each person can be so different, yet similar.

Caring can be complex

Caring can be rewarding

Caring can be demanding

Caring can be tiring - try exhausting

Carers need care too

Carers need respite (a few minutes, few hours, few days, few weeks)

Carers need support

We all need love

Recently I've been asked how I cared for Bill for so long - I'll admit there were times it was difficult but I'd do it again in a heartbeat if I could have him back ... so I thought today I'd share a few tips that were given to me that I found useful -

Spend quality time - use the 3 P's

Pleasure - you both enjoy the time

Participation - you both get involved as much as possible

Presence - you show you want to be with the person

Any simple activity can be a positive experience

Past hobbies and skills can be a good starting point (mmm the jigsaw puzzle idea didn't work too well for me)!

Activities don't have to be long - they may only last 5 minutes (depending on your loved ones attention span)

Technology can be great - Facetime calls with family/friends - especially during lockdowns!

Keep in mind also ... DOING NOTHING TOGETHER CAN ACTUALLY BE DOING SOMETHING

Activity is still worthwhile even if its soon forgotten

Simple experiences you can share:

Go for a drive

Eat an icecream

Go out for coffee

Reminisce - look at photos

Prepare dinner

Bake biscuits

Listen to music

Visit an art gallery

Fold the washing

Watch TV (even if it has to be sport sport sport)

Seek support and help - it's out there to be used

My Age Care can benefit both of you immensely and help keep a loved one at home longer (it is a good idea to set the wheels in motion early as it can be 18mths before package approval)

MAC can provide home care services, cleaning, lawns, garden, meal preparation, respite care (short term), shopping, equipment and aids.

Bill balked a little at the thought of having 'strange' women coming into our home to sit with him whilst I took time out, however, he soon looked forward to their visits - especially the drives Fiona took him on.

Carer Support Groups - companionship, support, trips and outings I've so enjoyed my time with LCHS Sale Carer group - Puffing Billy trip was something Bill really enjoyed and he never seemed to forget Corina and her 'poo talk' (every trip has to have an educational component)

Friends and family - if they offer their time to sit with or take out your loved one - take them up on the offer.

Dementia Australila - website

Carer Gateway - website

Parkinson's Australia - website

Weather warming up (for how long??) Tuesdays I meet up with a group of friends for Hydro Therapy exercise (and chatting) - looking forward to next week when the cafe opens up again and we can stay for lunch (best hot chips and gravy in Sale).