Are there any other caregivers out there who are lonely when the stroke has left your partner also with early vascular dementia? Silent, basically unresponsive except for the occasional 1 or 2 word responses, it also left him basically without any emotions. I know I'm supposed to be grateful that he can still do everyday functions and I know I'm grateful that there is no anger or violence or hallucinations or outbursts......but with a silent shell, the loneliness hits like a bombshell!
Yes, lonely and frustrating. We love those we care for but we have needs as well.
I just talk and hope it gets thru. Or I will just walk away.
Since Step-Dad died in November, she is lonely in the evenings. At 84 she had never lived alone and now she does not even have him sitting quietly watching TV with her.
Can you leave him and go out with friends? Did you have an active independent social life before his stroke? Can you develop one now? Volunteering, attending church, an exercise class, lunch or coffee with a friend seeing grandchildren if you have them?
If you cannot leave him, then invite your social community into your home. Have a friend come over for coffee, or to watch a show. Mum has for years gone to a friend's place to watch a TV show one night a week. The friend cannot get out easily, so every Thursday Mum goes there.
It has been hard on Mum to lose Step-Dad, but having always had an active social life that did not always involve him has made the transition easier. Please reach out and get out to be with people.