Debt and Caring

savingholmes

Love pancakes. I had some Friday night 

Buffythedebtslayer

WelshmansDaughter said:

Fairly good morning, fairly horrible afternoon. 
Had a bit of a meltdown usual overwhelm at lack of alone time. It's not the caring for dad that gets me, it's never having any time to myself. There is always someone home. If I go out it is just a different set of factors to negotiate and doesn't really end up as relaxing. I also live in a 9 foot by 9 foot room. This it turns out just feels full of stuff no matter what I have in it. Also, I kinda want to take the art stuff and everything else out and just have it as a relaxing space.


Have been looking at plans again as sister now has something on this year which might have an effect on a June trip. May is bank holiday ridden plus a coronation so that might be out price wise. 

Also might not have the money, let's face it. The June grant might need to be reserved to get a better chair for dad, as well as add to the activity wall I'm planning. 

I haven't finished reading your diary yet but this REALLY spoke to me. I have been caring for my Mum for a few years now and because she has been relatively well the house has been a nightmare for years.  When she went into hospital it was awful and then when I had to sort the house out it ended up with all her stuff in my room (and the spare room) and it was rough and most recently I have just donated a lot of my stuff because like you I live in a room and it is my only privacy and in my case I am sick of it being full of stuff! Also, mum has a LOT of towels and they are everywhere. 

Also I find it really hard to have people in and out of the house all the time. I mean it is fine, they are nice but I just want not to be 'on' all the time. 

Just wanted to say hi XXXX 

WelshmansDaughter

Pancakes were so so SH as they were delivered lukewarm but hey ho. Didn't have to make them myself. Although I do have a nice recipe for pancakes using ricotta/mascarpone cheese. 

Welcome Buffy. Thanks for reading this far into the madness. Also love the username.
It really does make a difference when your whole life is crammed into one room. 
My room was the family dumping ground/attic overflow for years even though I was the one who came home most often.
And yes, I find myself needing a break from the people who come to give me a break 🤣🤣🤣 It's difficult being 'on' especially when you have little choice about who is coming and when. 

WelshmansDaughter

It occurred to me that I never talk about the money saving things I do for care related items. Honestly there aren't a lot. Disability is expensive, dementia even more so as there is often experimentation involved.
Cups for coordinating movement problems are conical. Starbucks plastic cups are conical and cost a fifth of the price.
Sistema microwave plates are red and have a lip all around. Dementia patients can see them and use the lip to help them find food and keep it in the plate.
Bend the spoons you already have instead of buying adaptive cutlery.
Ask for items for Christmas and birthday presents. 
Convert every day items to the things you need. Sleeping bags are a lot easier to find on giveaway sites than say, wheelchair blankets.

Not an exhaustive list but a bit more on the positive side 😀

badmemory

Can you get things in Ireland without paying the VAT as you can here for someone with a disability?

Cherryfudge

Hope all's well and you are just having a break: missed you the last few days.  

doingitanyway

Cherryfudge said:

Hope all's well and you are just having a break: missed you the last few days.  

I was thinking the same. I've got used to your pattern of posting I guess...

WelshmansDaughter

By pattern you mean random warblings right DIA?
All is well CF. Dad is in respite this week and I have been attempting a slower pace as well as visiting him.
Some changes ahead in my priorities that I am not sure if I am ready to talk about yet. May be a tad quieter while I process.

doingitanyway

Glad you are ok and just processing.
Enjoy your respite week

Cherryfudge

I hope your Dad's respite goes well for all concerned. Good luck with the slowing down - not as easy as it should be, is it?!