Work - I fill the sink with soapy water and dirty dishes rather than load the dishwasher all the time. Once they have been put in the cupboard, I check them and rewash when necessary. If he puts dishes in the wrong place, I reorganize when he is not around. I let him get involved in reorganizing kitchen drawers and folding laundry also.
Play - I love photography, so we go on "photo shoots" together around the area. He loves reading poetry so we take poems to the beach, and he reads them aloud to me. Short stories are good too. He is a good dancer - this is something he can do well so he has a sense of pride.
He is getting more and more dependent on me emotionally and doesn't like me to go off without him. When I went to a garden walk with a friend, her husband stopped by and spent some time with him.
I need more ideas on how to keep us both happy while I have some "away time." Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Every morning I pray for patience and kindness toward him and for solutions to specific problems we are facing. All of the ideas above are the result of not knowing what to do and asking God for guidance.
--Anonymous
If you have suggestions for this caregiver or any other helpful hints, please post a comment. You may remain anonymous. We may use some of the hints in our next newsletter.
