It might be time...

In the caregiver support group I facilitate for our local community hospital we've had one theme lately:  there comes a time when you should not continue to be your loved ones primary caregiver.  I'm not pushing this theme or this message - the group is.  They listen to the health concerns and the sounds of despair in some of the group members and say, "You need to look for care."  Often, they're talking about an assisted living or memory care community. 

Some of our group members have found day care programs to be life savers.  They have a free afternoon - or full day - to go shopping, have lunch with a friend or simply read a book undisturbed.  It helps them revive and continue to provide care.

Others have found in home help to give them the break they need. 

Still others have said that finding a good assisted living community was the best decision they ever made.

It does boil down to this:  what's right for one person may not be right for the next.  What's right for YOU is something that only you know, and only you understand.

It's incredibly affirming to hear people who are in situations similar to you say, "Do what you need to do for YOU."  There's no judgement; no pressure.  There IS a recognition that as a caregiver, you need to take care of yourself first.  You need to care for your own health - physical and mental - so you can continue to be there for your loved one.

Good advice!