Hi I have never been a full time carer so am not sure if I really "belong" here.
However mum is in a residential care home and I am struggling. Does that sound ridiculous to those of you caring full time?
I am astonished at how much time I need.
Mum phones me often (10 times yesterday). I visit 4 - 5 times per week. I always take a bag of goodies with me (biscuits, sherry etc) plus essentials (tissues, wet wipes, shower gel, talc, toothpaste etc). she asks me to order clothes, underwear etc from the Internet 2-3 times per week.
There are issues with her care that I spend time discussing with the staff.
I make an effort to chat to other residents (those that are capable of chatting) and staff while I am visiting.
I visit after work and get home at 8. By which time my darling husband has made dinner.
There are also issues with her house, bills to pay, her finances to take care of, etc
Is it normal to spend so much time when a parent is in residential care?
Am I doing something wrong?
I feel guilty for taking time away from my husband, feel guilty for not being able to concentrate fully at work and of course feel guilty when I don't answer all of mum's phone calls.
Is this normal?
However mum is in a residential care home and I am struggling. Does that sound ridiculous to those of you caring full time?
I am astonished at how much time I need.
Mum phones me often (10 times yesterday). I visit 4 - 5 times per week. I always take a bag of goodies with me (biscuits, sherry etc) plus essentials (tissues, wet wipes, shower gel, talc, toothpaste etc). she asks me to order clothes, underwear etc from the Internet 2-3 times per week.
There are issues with her care that I spend time discussing with the staff.
I make an effort to chat to other residents (those that are capable of chatting) and staff while I am visiting.
I visit after work and get home at 8. By which time my darling husband has made dinner.
There are also issues with her house, bills to pay, her finances to take care of, etc
Is it normal to spend so much time when a parent is in residential care?
Am I doing something wrong?
I feel guilty for taking time away from my husband, feel guilty for not being able to concentrate fully at work and of course feel guilty when I don't answer all of mum's phone calls.
Is this normal?