Never thought I would look forward to going to work for a break. Being a caregiver, it's nice to have a change from the normal routine duties. A time to relax (while working :)) and think. Anyone else feel the same relief? A recharging the batteries for when I get home.
I loved my parents dearly, but I was finding I was changing my lifestyle so that they could continue with their own. I remember my Dad asking me to retire from work to give me more time to help them.... I asked Dad if he had retire from work to help his parents or his in-laws.... I knew what Dad's answer would be and he never asked me again. I had worked too hard to break that glass ceiling only to give up my career.
My parents could afford to hire people to help them, but they wouldn't because it was my inheritance. I remember telling my Dad whenever he brought up the word inheritance, I would say "if I live to see it". I was a senior helping out much older seniors. My folks viewed me as if I was still 35 and had a ton of energy... that ship had sailed many years ago.
Good times! Hope I get called up again when COVID is over.
PS I also love donating blood. It’s like a visit to a spa for me.
i felt the same way. When I was living with my mother with Alzheimer’s, before I convinced my brother to stay with her during the day (he was in denial), even though my mother’s dementia was not too bad I was constantly afraid/stressed etc while at home with her and while at work. Once I finally convinced my brother who was luckily between jobs to come during the day while I was at work to watch our mother, then work was almost relaxing. No more stressing or worrying that she may be doing something dangerous at home (unknowingly of course ah the joys of dementia) or that she may just leave the house and get lost. I could focus on the job at hand and as you said think a bit about my things which were mostly about my mother and her care and future. But it made work a place that was more relaxing then being at home. I felt the same way you do.
I often take mini breaks when she is in an agitated mood and block her number for hours at a time. She focuses a lot of anger my way since I am her primary CG or supervisor of CGs and many other chores for her.
You have to save your sanity and health!
The summer of 2019 I took a two-week vacation, leaving my mom in the capable hands of her caregivers. I felt incredibly relaxed while on vacation, but as soon as I got home, the weight of my responsibility to my mom landed on my shoulders again and I actually began feeling physical pain in my shoulders and back.
Yep, we all feel it, and I would encourage every caregiver to find "another hat" and some help with their caregiving duties to help balance their lives.
I am glad your job is your escape. Take care and be safe.