My husband, David, is progressing through the stages of dementia. His days are filled with playing simple card games, completing word searches, and watching game shows. My days are filled with everything else!
It is becoming more and more difficult these days to go anywhere with David. We recently went to a restaurant for brunch with my parents. In his frustration at not knowing we had ordered, he screamed at me. During the meal, he dropped and ate food from the floor and licked his syrup ramekin inside and out. Scenes like this have already impacted our ability to go places, and I know it will only get worse as the disease progresses.
That is why the respite care offered to me by Elaine and Paul through their non-profit ministry Senior Attention is a gift that is becoming more and more valuable. The two four-hour blocks of respite care breaks allow me to help my parents, go to my appointments, enjoy time with friends, or run the never-ending list of errands. My most treasured use of respite care this year was attending our four-year-old granddaughter’s first dance recital.
I’m sure that David enjoys the respite from me, too! His face always lights up when our caregiver arrives. She treats him with dignity, prepares his lunch, and keeps him engaged in meaningful activities. Earlier this year, she helped him complete several paint-by-number pictures that he will give to our grandkids at Christmas.
If we did not have the gift of respite from you all, I don’t know how I would stay sane. We live payday to payday on our teacher retirement and have lost the ability to add income from substitute teaching or tutoring. Thank you for providing this gift for my husband and me. It is truly a blessing for us both, and I hope you all know just how much it helps.
With abundant gratitude,
C.D.
C.D.
