Debt and Caring

savingholmes

Glad you had some me time 

badmemory

How we have to live our lives cannot ever be irrelevant.  It affects everything we do & have to do.  I don't think that your current location makes much difference to peoples avoidance of what becomes the reality of dementia.  Most things that used to help are closed unless a charity can find funds from somewhere.

Cherryfudge

The day off sounds good to me - and pot plants for sanity when not having a day off.

The dementia provision sounds dire - yes, there are shortages of skilled staff everywhere as far as I can make out, though they do exist, but as @badmemory says, things have closed. Over here in England the situation seems to be quite fluid as we have done the rounds of various countries over the years, creaming off good staff from the Philippines, India, Eastern Europe and now Nigeria. Even then, it takes a while and the right ethos and existing staff to get an organisation up to speed, and it sounds as though your local ones are still playing catch-up.

Are there any support groups in the community that you could utilise? Fellow carers who go through the same things? You may be able to pool forces.

WelshmansDaughter

There are services opening up here (with wait-lists), but they are what I would describe as Top 40. Dad likes to sing but can't go to the online choir because they sing songs he doesn't know. He can't go to day care because he needs one to one support. And so on. 
I really struggle with the social side of things myself so going out and getting involved in things is my idea of hell. Something to work on this year. There is definitely a gap in provision for dementia activities. And I do wonder if there would be options for care swapping, like I mind yours and you mind mine. But I suppose a lot of ppl are maybe older and wouldn't be able for it. I'll have to investigate.

Today I managed to give myself a bash on the head taking apart a bedframe. Lost the run of myself completely and teacup came home to find me sobbing with an icepack on my head. Put myself under pressure thinking of things to be done in time for sister et al to arrive. It's usually my job to install the car seat and tbh I hate doing it. Meltdown me cried about this and teacup ended up getting the neighbour's son to do it bless him.

Bit wiped out now so made an eve's pudding. Sugar for the shock 😜 hopefully nephew being cute cheers me up.

Cherryfudge

Oh no, poor you. You might have needed the cry, but not the bop on the head as well. How is it now?

WelshmansDaughter

No not my finest hour Cherry. The bump has gone down. Throbbing head may be a result of bump or from there being 8 people in the house 🤣🤣🤣
It does feel a bit lie down in a dark room atm. Have sat for a bit with an icepack on my head.

Dad has gone into defensive turtle mode. We shall be going to the mountains this afternoon so nephew can run around in the house and dad (and me and my head bump) can get some peace. 

Have (funnily enough) been thinking about money again. Now that I'm not experiencing an urgency to pay off my credit cards I'm taking a step back and looking at the whole financial picture. Some random thoughts (and smash and grab internet calculations) about making overpayments on my mortgage rather than paying down my credit cards. Initial research indicates that an op of 200 pm would save me way more interest than I would be paying on cc debt. 
No decision making in headache territory but thoughts to mull over 

WelshmansDaughter

alightly happier now my markers have arrived a day early

Cherryfudge

Lovely markers! Lucky you.

Just watch out for that head, I bashed mine at new year and had concussion for a few days. Get as much rest as you can and don't do any vigorous exercise if you get symptoms.

I had a random advert on Facebook for the Dementia UK charity this morning. They have a free download of a booklet of facts and helpful bits of advice, and I wondered if it might come in useful to you and your Dad?

WelshmansDaughter

I am doing a course which requires alcohol markers, bought with birthday vouchers 😀

Ugh the head is fairly horrible Cherry. Not sure if I've picked up a bug/carb flu/family tension headache as well but feeling ragged. 

I found that booklet, I've downloaded it for reading later. 

savingholmes

Love the pens. Do share some of your art.

Sorry about the bop on the head - last thing you need - although a good cry does sometimes help. 8 in the house sounds full on for all concerned.