18 months ago when we knew my mom had *something* wrong but before the Alz diagnosis, I joined Weight Watchers. Even while things have gotten worse, I have managed to lose 70 pounds.
Then this summer things got worse. I was working lots of hours, mom took a turn for the worse, had house guests, etc. We used to be able to leave mom alone while we went out. So I would come home from work and be able to take a walk. That ended. She now needs someone with her all day or she gets upset. I found out that I can't even walk on the treadmill, which is in the bedroom next to hers. The treadmill is so loud that I can't hear what she says to me from the doorway, and she won't come closer. So now she sees me on it and gets upset.
For the last 5 months, I've been bouncing up and down with the same 8 pounds or so. I finally decided that had to stop. I've gotten back on track with my eating and plan time for my brother to be with mom while I exercise. It doesn't always work out, but so far so good.
As caregivers, we HAVE to take care of ourselves or we'll get sick, stressed, depressed, etc. (YOU all know.)
So what do you do? How do you try to balance being healthy with the time/energy, etc needed to be a caregiver?
Carol
Fast forward more than a year since my previous post, my Dad now has 24-hour caregivers and my Mom is in long-term care. Even with that I still find myself exhausted.... I find myself visiting Mom daily, with or without Dad along [trying to train Dad to ask the Caregivers to drive him], checking Mom's needs, doing her laundry... and couple weeks ago came home with a huge arm load of my parents financial information from their home of which I found out wasn't being tended too, now I need to sort through a ton of loose papers, pas-due bills, medical reports, etc.... [sigh].
It is easy to "plateau" with your weight gain when you are not doing your cardio exercises, and most of the time you feel like you don't have the energy to do them and keep your heart rate up for 20-30 minutes. My advice is to do your cardio exercises BEFORE you start the day with your loved one, that way you are getting a headstart on the day and it will give you extra energy to accomplish the tasks layed out before you. You can get in a 2 mile walk in a half hour, on the 3.5 setting on the treadmill. If you can't do the half hour, then it needs to be at least 20 minutes. A little secret of mine, I take a tablespoon of metamucil dissolved in hot water EVERY night usually an hour or two before I go to bed. It keeps things "moving" and the sludge build up is non existant. Which we ALL know can make you feel sluggish and stip you of your much needed energy. Metamucil not only keeps you "lighter", it lowers cholesterol.
The problem with the noise from the treadmill can be somewhat filtered with the sound of a fan motor running or even get a piece of carpet and nail it up on the wall in her bedroom that faces that room.
I hope it works out for you. God Bless.
Marymember, you started out with a whole lot on your plate! If you cannot start another thread or question because of difficulties, just keep posting here.
OR, maybe you want someone to start a question for you so you can get the focus you need on your issues?
To write to an individual on the forums, just click on their screen name, like your screen name is Marymember.... then you will see POST A MESSAGE, that message will only go to that person.
I just want you to know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. I love this website as it helps to raise awareness that we are not alone. Some have it easier than others and I know my burden is much lighter than yours. My dad goes to bed by 9:30 and I get him up at 7:30. That gives us an hour alone before lights out. My husband is a great help but he is feeling the stress after almost 3 years.
When dad says, with tears in his eyes, that he knows how much we are giving up to care for him it definitely makes the job easier. Your poor mom just can't pull that out in her condition. So sad since she took care of her own mom.
Take care and remember to breathe!! Marion Buss
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