Ebb and Flow
Ok all you long distance caregivers. I have learned a thing or two this trip back home. One, have a plan/schedule! It took me a few days this time to realize that - especially as Mom has progressed since the last time I was home. Nothing crazy, just progression. So I thought I wanted to spend as much time as possible with Mom this time home. Mistake! If I don't take care of myself first (which is yoga with my peeps), I'm toast with Mom. Kinda like when they tell you the safety features of flying - to put your air mask on first before putting on someone elses.
Two - decide how much time to spend with your dementia loved one before you need a break. I figured my max time with Mom is four hours. Then I need to go see a friend, take a yoga class, take a walk or run by myself - just a break from the dementia. It's overwhelming. The other day she mistook me a few times for Voyageur. I think the first time it happened I gasped. New symptoms or stories are overwhelming, surprising.
Life ebbs and flows - like breathing. Inhales and exhales. I think that's why I love yoga so much. The breath is what stabilizes a pose. The breath is what stabilizes me in life. Especially when I'm with Mom. Every day she has asked what day I'm leaving, what time. Where do I live, what city, what state. I want to spend time with her - be in the moment with her. It's tricky when she asks when I'm leaving, what day, what time. And then I remember all I need to do is breathe, answer her question and point out some pretty flowers, or make a silly inside joke. Ebb and flow.
Back at ya Voyageur.
Two - decide how much time to spend with your dementia loved one before you need a break. I figured my max time with Mom is four hours. Then I need to go see a friend, take a yoga class, take a walk or run by myself - just a break from the dementia. It's overwhelming. The other day she mistook me a few times for Voyageur. I think the first time it happened I gasped. New symptoms or stories are overwhelming, surprising.
Life ebbs and flows - like breathing. Inhales and exhales. I think that's why I love yoga so much. The breath is what stabilizes a pose. The breath is what stabilizes me in life. Especially when I'm with Mom. Every day she has asked what day I'm leaving, what time. Where do I live, what city, what state. I want to spend time with her - be in the moment with her. It's tricky when she asks when I'm leaving, what day, what time. And then I remember all I need to do is breathe, answer her question and point out some pretty flowers, or make a silly inside joke. Ebb and flow.
Back at ya Voyageur.