Saw Dad after 3 months

[lfc_elmo]

Dad has PSP and has been falling frequently since last year. Had the worst one on new years day where he had been hospitalised for 2 week. Since then he’s been in respite care at a lovely care home.

I saw Dad after 3 months finally! It was quite a scary experience seeing him sat in his chair but it was an amazing visit. He looked very well looked after. The fall affected his speech in the beginning but he spoke well, albeit a little slurring. Remembered everyone we mentioned that asked about him.

The house has been very quiet lately. It’s very lonely out here. At least dad used to keep me on my toes, keeping me talking. I miss that. He’s going to be permanently living there now as it was getting difficult to look after him especially now with the injuries he sustained. Part of me is thinking I let go of the responsibility of looking after him too soon. It was already difficult with my mental health, looking after dad took it even worse.

I wish you and your loved ones well on this difficult journey. Hopefully we see light at the end of the tunnel with this disease.

[ConcernedEx]

Dearest Ifc_elmo,

No guilt allowed. You tried the best you can do. In addition to the patients, This awful disease is too much for anyone person to be the caretaker.

How fabulous you saw your dad.

[AJK2001]

So glad your visit went well and that your Dad is being well looked after. Lets hope you are able to continue to visit him. You're still caring & looking out for him, but in a slightly different way.

[wear1947]

Hi, ElmoThe slurry speech may be treated with a professional. Kinesio or phono audio specialist .

I chat with my sister everyday, and we hear music together. It is a nice moment for her.

Hugs

[AJK2001 in reply to wear1947]

I love that thought of listening to music together, what a wonderful way to connect

[wear1947]

🥰

[Cazash]

DO NOT feel guilty about letting go of the responsibility - you now need to make sure you are getting the help you need for your own mental health.

We nursed our late dad at home until the end, and it wasn't until we have carers in towards the end of his illness, we actually realized that we had, to a point, got lost of the caring, and that 'family time' had taken a back seat.

Use this as the opportunity to spend time with your dad as his child (i use the word lightly as I don't know if you are his daughter/son). The time for you to be the carer is handed over to the wonderful respite team, and now is your chance to shine again as the precious child, with an equally previous dad.

Enjoy the chances life now gives you, and cherish the time to have to spend together without the responsibility of being the carer.

First and foremost you are father/child....

Stay safe,