Feeling Locked Down
You can quickly get the feeling that you are in lock down when it is difficult to leave the one you are taking care of for more than a few minutes.
Thomas
9/20/20232 min read
When you are responsible for the care of a loved one who cannot be left alone for extended periods, it can feel like you are confined to your home. This situation presents various difficulties that need to be addressed. However, there are several strategies that can assist you in managing these challenges. One suggestion is to seek support from family members or friends who are willing to help out, even if it's just for short periods of time. Additionally, considering hiring a professional caregiver or exploring respite care options can provide you with some much-needed time for yourself. Utilizing technology, such as video monitors or medical alert systems, can also offer peace of mind while allowing you to attend to other tasks within your home. Finally, it's important to remember to take care of yourself by finding ways to relax and recharge, whether it's through hobbies, exercise, or seeking emotional support from support groups or therapy.
I do not like leaving Diana alone for more than a few minutes. She has had a few seizures and though they have been few and far between, the thought of her going through one alone is more than I can bare. I insist that someone be with her at all times. She also requires assistance when going to the bathroom which she doesn't want anyone to provide but me. I totally get that and I always want to want to keep her as comfortable as possible. Put this all together and you should be able to understand why I feel locked down sometimes.
We had an issue just the past few days that will make a good example as to the problem this can create. I managed to drop and break my upper denture. I started calling around to the local dentist for one that might repair it. If I could find one, I could always load Diana in the van and take her with me. Well, long story short, I could not find a local dentist that wanted to make the repair. They all insisted on my seeing the dentist and paying for an office call before even looking at my broken plate.
There is a place about an hour away that said they would look at them and might be able to make the repair in the same day. This was great except the trip could take five to eight hours to complete. I could not leave Diana home for that long without someone to take care of her. Hiring a home health care worker is expensive and I don't feel comfortable leaving her with a complete stranger. One of our daughters said that she would stay with her but I felt this could lead to some embarrassing moments for both of them.
To make a long story short, we were able to get the situation resolved. We run into this type of problem on a regular basis. I don't mind having one of the kids stay with her for a couple of hours or taking her with me when I can. I have to make a run to BMV next week and I will just take her with me because it should take all that long. This just would not work if I have to go somewhere for more than a couple hours.
I simply don't go anywhere that I don't have to unless I can take her with me.