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make the most of respite

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Written by suew 19. Nov 2007 05:21 PM

Ray has just been in respite for two weeks at the usual place. My only complaint this time was that they didn't always give him his medication so some came home in the Webster pack.

I decided I didn't need to go away but would stay home and do some Spring cleaning. BIG mistake. You can't relax and unwind cleaning cobwebs and chasing dust bunnnies!

I had a three day womens weekend at the end of the period so thought that would be my wind-down time. I only got to go for one night as I had a family funeral which happened on the last Friday, so no nice massage, no happy dinner with the girls, very little chat and catch up. I know..."the best laid plans..."

So Ray is home and I am not rested as planned. Next time I will go away, even if it is to a beachside motel where I can wander in and out at will and there is no housework, phone calls, support needs etc.

But we are off to a three day camp on Tuesday, I decided at the last minute we would go. So all is not lost. I may still get a lazy nothing-to-do day.

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Comments from the community:

Dear Sue,

I couldn't agree more with you, respite is a very important part of caring, a time to unwind and recharge.

I guest you were not very impressed about the medication, that's not good at all. Wouldn't it be marvellous to be able to walk away from a care home knowing that our loved ones are properly cared for. I know I'm dreaming but it would be great spending quality time instead of looking for dentures, glasses and hearing aids along with seeing that their basic needs are met.

I hope that your next respite is relaxing and enjoyable. Take Care Kathryn.

Written by kathryn, 22. Nov 2007 06:31 PM