The joys of being a carer....

[Symes]

....even when you're ill yourself.

Today is supposed to be the hottest day of the summer. 31 degrees. Thankfully the humidity level is relatively low at 59%, it's still fairly high.

Because of this, I had no plans today except sitting indoors in front of my fan blowing lovely cool air on me.

But my lovely father-in-law had other plans. Despite his memory problems, he usually still manages to get out on his own, which is good. Sees some friends at a local centre a few days a week. Although some days he is very apathetic and needs a lot of encouraging to get out.

Today is one of those days. All he wanted to do this morning is nap in his chair. We try and encourage him to get out as much as possible, you see. The doctors put a lot of his memory issues down to low mood, and as he lost both his step-daughter and best friend inside a week last November, its not only plausible but understandable.

At the start of the year, he was withering away. Refusing to leave the house. It was sad to see. So myself, my wife (his youngest daughter) and her sister (the eldest) have done everything we can to try and encourage him throughout the year to get out and about, so he doesn't lose who he is, inside. Because he used to be a very active man.

Anyway, background told, back to the story! Today was one of those days you could just tell he was making excuses. And not because of the heat. If I'd have let him, he'd have stayed in his pyjamas all day, switching between napping and reading his book.

So, instead of resting indoors, being the dutiful son-in-law and carer, I volunteered to venture out with him. Ensure he got to his centre, to see his friends. Despite my reservations or worries about my own health.

I'm one of those folk that care more about others than I do about myself, despite being constantly told to look after myself as well because I'm no good to anyone else if I don't. But somehow that never sticks! I just think "I've got my inhaler, I'll be ok".

Luckily it's reasonably cool in this centre so it's not too bad, although there's no air con so you can still feel the heat. Stay here with him for a few hours, chat with his friends then head back home to my lovely fan.

Have a good day all. Stay safe in this heat

[sassy59]

Well done Symes you are very thoughtful. It is warm in the South so take care all. Xxx

[Symes in reply to sassy59]

Thanks Sassy. I do try. Lucy calls me her angel lol xx

[Hidden]

Wish there were more like you.

Family always used to care for elderly relatives at home or nearby as a matter of course, purely as they were family, and no-one would dream of not doing so. How times have changed...not for you and your family obviously. You are a good son in law.