Respite

By Parson Thru

Thu, 16 Jan 2020
  • 1231 reads
6 comments
 

Hiss of boiler
Tick of copper pipes

The radio, surprised
To be decoding 91 MHz

It’s dark already in the corner
Books piled on the chair
More stuffed in a bag on the floor

Guitar propped across the room
If only for aesthetic warmth

It could almost be home
For a couple of hours, at least

Respite

Relief from that which overwhelms

Certificate U
Poem
Parson Thruses Dairy
Miscellaneous

Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I hope that does mean a proper respite care provision. We experienced that when caring for my father-in-law (dementia, and rather a difficult person anyway) and mother-in-law — he in official respite provision every couple of months (aprox) and she being cared for for the few days by her daughter (who couldn't have coped with her father). It felt like being released from a straitjacket, though it wasn't particularly arduous care. But if it's only for a couple of hours, maybe just Day Care Centre? Mother-in-law found that her relief from her husband (!) and later on, when he had died, just enjoyed it for itself, and eventually proved an introduction to the possibility she would enjoy the community spirit of a good Care home. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Parson Thru on

Hi Rhiannon. Just a day club in this case. I can actually take a couple of days away with carers coming in. Mostly, it's just chores and checking doors are locked, preparing a proper meal, laundry etc at the moment. She has a hair trigger though. She was always shouty and aggressive but there's paranoia creeping in and old stored up resentments. It's emotionally difficult as much as anything. I'm permanently tense, not sleeping. We have a GP appointment on Monday. I'll bring it all up.

Parson Thru

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

The in-laws had always been a bit verbally and emotionally volatile with each other,and not explaining their feelings to each other. Then with his confusion. we could understand what he was trying to say better than she, especially as her hearing was very poor, and so the tensions were often difficult. We had to keep a monitor on in their living room to check if misunderstandings and emotions were increasing.

The GP may suggest you seeing him seperately as well? Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Parson Thru on

That's the plan. Horrible, isn't it?

Parson Thru

Submitted by Di_Hard on

You must take all opportunities to recharge.

look after yourself!

 

Submitted by Parson Thru on

Thanks Di. Hope all good.

Parson Thru