I realize that this is a trivial caregiver issue. But as a caregiver, I've been getting a bit sad lately that I can't ever wear my nicer clothes at home because they'll inevitably get stained and ruined fast. I'm not talking about designer clothing, sometimes I just want to look presentable to myself. Sometimes I want to feel uplifted and wear something pretty at home. But wearing jeans and sweats and T-shirts and and tennis shoes seems to have become my daily drab uniform. I'm so tired of looking as run down as I feel.
Besides the usual caregiver self-care routine of enough sleep, good nutrition, exercise, occasional outings for fun - how do you manage to look okay to yourself while you're actively caregiving? Is it even possible?
Should I lower my expectations about this, too?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts about this.
I tried just a little and it did help . I never used eyebrow pencil before . I tried a few times to practice before using it for my son’s wedding . I’m glad I did , it looked very natural in the photos. I looked less tired and haggard than photos without any makeup . All I used was a light foundation , alittle mascara and alittle eyebrow pencil . I might have used alittle blush too , and slight lip color. But I think having visible eyebrows in the photos is what really helped the most.
I've had my makeup done at make up counters in the past and I've always come home and washed it off immediately. I wear very little makeup and they always layer different colors on different areas of my face. I guess it's called contouring.
Not for me!
I'll just keep dabbing my blush on. Lightly.
I hope your eyeliner and lip crayon perk you up. :)
Blush.. oh.. I once bought this gorgeous cream blush. Strongly pigmented so just need a VERY little dab & then rub in it well...
I went to work one time, rushed in past my boss (an old boss I call The Snake) & heard her snicker. Yep. I had forgot to blend it 😪
I hate it too when the colour looks great IN THE STORE but like a clown or Barbie later..
Then maybe everyone will say "Maybe she's born with it, maybe it's Maybelline."
I bought some blush the other day thinking the same. Instead I resembled a clown.
But hey, hope in a bottle..........or a eyeliner lip crayon. Can't fault one for trying.
Oh & maybe reduce a few straggly grey hairs & lose a kilo...
Do you think my hopes are reasonable?
Sincerely,
LostinPlace
At Costco I notice others not dressed that nicely although recently there was a mother there with her two sons and husband and she was beautifully dressed so there are exceptions.
I made up a saying I’ll share now: ‘ being practically dressed for the situation/event/weather is sexy’. Why not! Isn’t it??
Years ago I also described my look as ‘frazzled chic’, which has stuck and has become my signature style for sure.
And I do love painted toenails! That’s my big fun grooming pleasure. Don’t always have lovely painted toenails but getting a pedicure and looking down at the results gives me a boost. Happy toes.
Cheers, everybody!
I've always been really self critical and now that I'm in my sixties I'm really trying to be more gentle with myself. Yeah, it's all not as firm as it once was but that's life. I used to never leave the house without full makeup on. What a burden that was.
Take care of your health. That's the most important thing. The looks thing? Ah well.................
Like a favorite neckless and get in the habit of doing it every day , then try adding another thing
I paint my toes a wild color, so when I look down I can smile.
Last week was florescent yellow, this week is bright green. Next probably bright orange
Lawyer fees are eating up our meager savings. I kept mom out of nursing home for this?
I just keep hoping my life will return to some semblance of normal. Exercising is more difficult now. I can’t fit in my normal clothes. So if you find the answer I hope I see it.
Ive noticed that just putting on a blouse instead of a TShirt and a dab of cologne makes me feel better . It’s not much effort . I had stopped buying any decent blouses because I didnt go anywhere worthy . But now once a week I put one on even if I’m staying home .
Whilst being on this forum has taught me the difference between Board & Care, Assisted Living & Skilled Nursing Homes, I am in Australia & our terms differ. Newer guildlines mean each Residental Aged Care Home should offer permanent living but also short term stays (after a hospital stay or for family respite). At any care need level.
In reality it can take a ring around to find an available bed for the time needed. My Mother has had respite stays ar several local places now. Costs varied too.
Without being able to pre-book a Skilled Nursing Bed..? Couldn't that lead to LOs being dropped at an ER (aka Granny/Gramps Dump) when family need a break or travel away?
The alternative like you say, 24/7 care at home.. just too much $$$. Plus ensuring staff were trained & could handle the LO's needs. Too much stress +++
It seems very unfair to me you cannot pre-book & take a break.. I guess it is not cost efficient to hold a bed empty awaiting a possible booking.
May you find ways to add some extra little pieces of joy into your daily life ✨️ 🤗
Thanks for your suggestions. Could you please be more specific about "Care Homes for Respite"? Are you referring to some sort of Board & Care arrangement, an assisted living facility, or a skilled nursing facility..? Or is there something else out there I should know about that might be an option for him?
The reason I ask is because my husband would need a skilled nursing facility for respite. His needs are beyond what an assisted living facility can provide. Ditto a board and care home is out of the question. DH needs to be under the care of a skilled professional caregiver, not just someone to chat with him or make him meals.
I've contacted most of the local skilled nursing facilities and they won't take respite care reservations in advance. That means I can't make any advance travel reservations for myself at a hotel or a bed & breakfast either.
Arranging in-home 24/7 respite care with with the in-home caregiver agencies would cost more than a skilled nursing facility.
I'm aware that DH qualifies for placement in a long term care facility, but my husband isn't ready for that, and neither am I. I can see that it'll happen sooner or later, but DH and I hope it will be later. Much later.
So I guess respite care isn't going to happen without a very complicated and expensive plan - which I'm too tired to figure out because I need respite care.
haha
I kid you not , I love it when I need to wear sunglasses . Everyone looks better with sunglasses on.