Hi. I have classic burnout syndrome, typical family problems, and a physically demanding (not emotionally, thank God) patient who happens to be my last living Grandparent. I've been with him for 18 months and in the last month he has been steadily heading down hill. I was convinced the last episode of delirium was just like all the others... lasting 3 - 4 days followed by 6 - 7 good days. Well, that 3 - 4 ended but ended at 1:30am today with him peacefully slipping away from us.
NOW WHAT??? What am I supposed to do with myself? Where do I go from here? What is my life if it's not "caretaker"? What do I do with the grief on top of the lost feelings?
Burnout over, right? Family problems gone, right? Physical demands done, right? NOW WHAT DO I DO????
Come back and tell us about him if you want to... we are here for this part too... many were here for me... we are sending you hugs, angels, and shoulders to cry on and lean on.... we are here for you...
irenep,
let your flaws go . you werent born knowing how to emotionally and physically care for elders . my mom was a dam sight smarter than me even with dementia and she could see i was struggling for patience . she had imperfections too . we made it work , i filled the need , im letting my shortcomings go , little by little .