Monday roundup

Hi everyone,

Monday’s come around again, and here we all are, starting a new week. Whatever your challenges, I hope you will find strength to tackle whatever needs to be done whether for yourself or those for whom you care.

This week I’m looking forward to the return of my husband from Guyana. He was there last week arranging his mum’s funeral, which took place on Friday. He’s started his homeward journey now, and is due home tomorrow.

It’s felt like a long week on my own even though I do quite like my own company. It’s much easier to be separated these days, thanks to all the technology we have now, and I was able to track the planes on his journey to South America and am doing so again now for his return, and we’ve video-chatted every day, but still, the heart of our home has been missing.

It reminded me of how hard it is when you permanently lose a loved one from your life, especially when they are recently gone, and what a big journey of adjustment there is, so sending a big hug to anyone who has recently lost someone close, and also to those whose relationships have had to change due to serious illness and memory loss.

Storm Dennis seems to have blown out of town, leaving another trail of devastation in its wake, and once again, I hope that none of our Care Community members have suffered any aftermath. I feel so lucky to live somewhere that doesn’t flood, except in a very minor way from surface water.

We are all here ready to support each other in our Care Community, so if you have anything you want to share with us, please do.

This week I'd like to especially mention Hellebelle for her wise insight into the topic of technology and dementia sufferers, when she answered my post on artificial intelligence voice devices, like Alexa. She is so well versed and knowledgable with her job in dementia care and was able to give a very balanced view. Thanks so much Hellebelle. And thanks too for all who gave their opinions.

Sending love and best wishes to you all and hoping for a good week for everyone.

[Lynd]

Today seems a lot calmer. Our old sash windows have been rattleing away this last few days. Our park is covered in water and several roads blocked due to flooding. We have tried to stay in as much as possible but the dog still needs walking 😁

Glad your husband is homeward bound Callendersgal.

Stay warm and safe everybody.

[Hidden in reply to Lynd]

Hi Lynd,

Dogs really don't care about the weather at all, do they? Sometimes that's a good thing as it makes us go out and about, but sometimes you have to look at the dog and say 'really?'

I'm glad that all you suffered from storm Dennis was some rattling sash windows.

Thanks for your good wishes for my husband and he's currently between planes in Barbados, and catching up with some of our old friends!

Have a great week Lynd.

[Lynd in reply to Hidden]

Barbados? Yes please 😁

[Hidden in reply to Lynd]

mmmm.... I'm so jealous! x

[Lynd in reply to Hidden]

You sure he's coming back 😁

[Hidden in reply to Lynd]

Hahah Lynd.... Hmmmm, I wonder! x

[sassy59]

I’m so pleased you’re husband is on his way home now Callendersgal and I hope he has a good journey.

The weather is calmer where we are but very wet. Fortunately we don’t suffer from flooding but I really do feel for those that do. My heart goes out to them all.

It’s half term so we’ve had visits from the grandchildren. I’m sure this week will fly by as each week seems to. At least it means better weather is on the way hopefully.

I’d like to send a big hug to carers everywhere and anyone suffering any kind of mental health issue. The Carers forum is always here for each and everyone.

Have a great week and stay safe. Xxxxx

[Hidden in reply to sassy59]

Hi sassy59, Thank you and I’m happy you haven’t been affected by the storm. Yes what has happened to the spring we all thought was just around the corner? Submerged possibly! Take care and have a good week. Xx

[Jennymary]

Could you ask your husband to bring home some of the Barbados sun with him??? X

[Hidden in reply to Jennymary]

I’ll do that Jennymary. We’re long overdue some of those lovely bright days with a little bit of warmth in them! X

[klr31]

I have just had a free half hour session with a Bereavement counsellor to see if we gel - we seem to so I have arranged some counselling over the coming weeks. I'm hoping that this will enable me to become 'unstuck' and move forward. After this half hour session I did finally email PALS as my first port of call about my dad's treatment in hospital last year.

I hope your husband arrived home safely.

Karen x

[Hidden in reply to klr31]

That’s fantastic to hear klr31! Taking that first step to get help is really hard but once you’ve taken it I think it makes you feel a bit better straight away, because you are taking charge of the situation you’ve found yourself in.

And the same goes for getting answers about all that happened with your dad. Until you are satisfied that his treatment was or wasn’t handled properly, it’s impossible to feel any better.

So this is terrific news and thanks for letting us know. And I hope that it works out positively for you, so you can start moving forward with your life and find happiness again.

Take care and all the best. I hope you’ll continue to let us know how you are getting on! X

[klr31]

Thank you.

I have had counselling last year but not bereavement counselling. I did ask the hospital to look into dad's death soon after he died too but nothing came of it. It is painful to have to revisit it all but I think I need to, even if I don't get anywhere. I didn't know whether to go to the CQC but I suppose PALS is a start.

I suppose that talking to someone may have given me the strength and the nudge to finally stop prevaricating.

I'll let you know how far I get.

Thanks and take care.

Karen x