We've talked about my husband and I moving in with Mom and Dad for years. We all four agree that it's time and I know I'm making the right decision. My husband is spending most of his time on the east coast getting our house ready to sell or rent. I'm planning to stay with Mom and Dad four weeks at a time with one or two weeks at home in between. Dad has been Mom's full-time caregiver for years but he's starting to feel overwhelmed. After three days I completely understand why. I feel so lonely and I worry that my own health isn't up to the job. I think my most important job is just keeping them company while my mom dies, but I'd like to do it without sacrificing my own mental health. How can I make some connections in a totally new community without leaving them alone for large amounts of time?
Good luck
One things doesn't make sense to me. You want to spend four weeks with your parents, then two weeks away form them? I don't think anyone here would believe that possible without serious back-up or assistance.
Whatever you are doing every day during the four weeks, will need to be done every day for the two weeks. Right?
How are you planning to manage that?
find a meditation or Yoga center
find a support group for care givers
whatever your interests are - there could be a group that meets, that you could go to
look in the classes available in your area, painting, pottery, I like to make jewelry w beads, and have sought out others with same interests - but you have to make the first step. If the house does not sell- you could either rent it out or lower the price.
#1 Eat clean foods
#2 Take a multi-vitamin with vitamin D and for your age group
#3 Stay mobile
#4 Make "you" time, even if it's an hour of pampering at the nail salon
#5 If you need to, go to a private place and "let it all out," e.g. cry/scream-whatever gets you through the day/night (Rolling Stones)-had to throw that in there for a chuckle, but not meant to take you down the road of pill popping!
#6 Join a support group- check-you've already accomplished that one!
#7 If you are a spiritual person, get into your bible. If you aren't, perhaps now would be a good time to start.
#8 Talk to friends