Dependence

I've been thinking (dangerous I know...;).  I think the overall thing that burns caregivers out is the dependence placed on us by our loved one living with AD/Dementia.  It's not their fault - it's this horrid disease that erodes their brain..  They hate it, feel guilty about it.  And we carry the weight of it,  along with the weight of love and sadness.

It's making all the appropriate arrangements to keep them financially, physically and emotionally safe and sound with the added responsibilities of your own life. etc.  The appointments, the driving, the washing, grooming etc.  Sometimes we do all that while taking crap from family and/or friends.

Dependence has weight.  Some days I carry it like a sack of 80 lbs of wet laundry.  It makes me weary those days.

But love and laughter lighten the load, illuminate the journey.  That and sleep rejuvenate me.

Back to you Dreamer