Full time caregiver

Hi , we're glad you're here! Have you checked out any of our articles on sundowning? There may be some tips that can help you both get a little more rest: alzheimersdisease.net/living/caregiver-tips-sundowning - Please let us know if you need other resources. - Warmly, Donna (Team Member)

I have been a full time caregiver to my wife for five years no. She been able to stay by herself for periods of time while I go the store, run errands, etc. She started needing care about the time I retired. We moved back to my hometown which her hometown is just ten miles down the road. The first year I have not been out much except to go shopping and some short trips back to the big city which is about forty miles. I have started playing in the local city band then I was offered a chance to play with a rock band which we play all 60's music. We only rehearse only two hours every other Monday and we don't push hard for gigs but we don't play late at night. Anyway I say that so to say my wife will look at me and see that I am tired then states that I should quit playing. I have yet to convince her that play is not what I am tired of. It's being the caregiver. She tells me that she doesn't like be alone for long periods of time. When I mention of hiring a person to set with her she doesn't accept. She wants no strangers in the house. I tell her I would be hiring a professional but that's no difference. I have a support group I go to when I can. It's in the city about forty miles away and when I do go I can't let my wife know because she will not accept the fact that I should be going. Thank you.