When I decided to resign from my job to become a full time caregiver for my mom who has Dementia, I jumped in feet first… no interview, no training… nothing. It gives new meaning to the term on the job training. So here are 10 things they don’t tell you about being a caregiver for a loved one with Dementia.
- It’s not the same as taking care of a baby She’s still my mom so I can’t give her a time out
- Everyday is different. What worked yesterday may not work today.
- You’ll be threatened and assaulted. Dementia can change their behavior
- You’ll need to develop a thick skin for the name calling. The sweet mom who raised me picked up some “colorful” words along the way
- You may be accused of stealing salt and pepper. I suppose you can get a lot of money on the black market
- You’ll learn to sleep with one eye open and one ear open. Always looking and listening for what mom is doing
- You’ll buy a lot of disinfecting wipes, bleach, and rubber gloves. I think you know why
- You’ll get frustrated and take it out on others. Frustration comes from trying to change mom’s behavior… but she can’t change so often times you’ll take it out on your partner, spouse, children
- You’ll need a break. You’re not a superhero. You need time away to recharge
- You’ll put your need last. Look for my blog series on ” The Importance of Self Care.
Are you a caregiver? What have you learned that you didn’t know before?
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