But the title of your thread seems to indicate the toll this is taking on you.

Because your rate of pay has gone up, are you able to take more time off to recharge?

Take care, Niagara!

It's a bit overwhelming to be honest. I had to tell my boss (I work for an agency) that I was in fact taking care of two people because I was told that I was suppose to be there for her.

I'm there for this husband and wife Monday through Friday, plus I do some side house cleaning hustles during the week. I actually let go of one of my house cleaning side hustles. I get Saturdays and Sundays off. I also informed everyone in group chat that I have a Do Not Disturb on my phone from 8:30 pm to 7:00am for my much needed downtime.

Thanks, True!

Don't push yourself too hard.

Time for me to crash for the night, or try to anyways.

I wish I had something useful to pass along to you. The best I can do is remind you to take care of yourself first. They depend on you and it sounds like you’ve developed a working relationship with them. Good for you.

And sometimes I can't believe some of things that they say. They can be hysterical!

Sometimes these caregivers come into homes and start barking orders at the clients and at other caregivers. I don't do that. I like to build a rapport with them. I like to encourage them to get things done and not be bossy. It can be exhausting though.

Thanks, Biophilic!

in mixed berry is very tasty. I mixed it half strength and gave it to my mother who had dementia. She didn't like water but would suck that stuff down.

I've always used strawberries to sweeten the deal but I'll pick some up myself and give it a try.

anymore but it's still available on-line.

If they can self feed -- great...

If you need to help, ice slushies can be spoon fed... If they can take flavored Pedialyte + you have access
to a blend, this can be a real treat... + may be an effective distraction. My dad loved them...

My mom preferred egg nogs... Got approval from the doctor + a blender recipe from mom's dietitian...

You are doing the Lord's work, Niagara... Please take care...

Thankfully everyone is self-feeding.

I think flavored electrolytes is a great idea. I'm not sure why I didn't think of that.

Take care, ultralite001!

My folks didn't like the grape flavor...

https://www.pedialyte.com/products/freezer-pops/variety-pack

This is encouraging and helpful.

My folks were so difficult to feed...

Actually, my mom was more difficult than my dad. She was troubled by mouth ulcers so soft foods were a blessing.
I got sandwich cookie cutters to remove the crusts from soft bread. When she was able, she would eat flowers +
hearts + moons.

https://www.amazon.com/HINZER-Sandwich-Breakfast-Stainless-Decruster/dp/B0FX75QTNG?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/HINZER-Sandwich-Breakfast-Stainless-Decruster/dp/B0BQMKS3TW?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

But it is the absolute hardest job in the world. I always thought parenting was the hardest until I became a therapist. Now I know the toughest job is caregiving and caregiving dementia patients is the most difficult of all. One of the things we did to prevent wandering was to put a black rug in front of doors leading to outside--also works to keep them out of places they shouldn't go. Because dementia patients typically have diminished sensory apparatus, the black rug looks like a hole to them and they don't want to go near it. Playing classical music can soothe jangled nerves for both patient and caregiver. Popsicles are hydrating and delightful for all. Going through photo albums and old knick knacks and trinkets can be a great diversion for these patients because their long-term memories are typically much better than more recent memory. Sensory activities like drawing with fingers (or you can also use berries) on a tray covered in whipped cream or pudding is often fun--kids love this too. And it's a good way to get calories in them. Just some ideas off the top of my head. Hope it helps. Do not forget you are a hero and deserve twice what they are now paying you!

The adult children aren't involved with this entire situation. The couple has trusted friends in charge of their well-being.


There's no activities to keep them occupied. I had the wife help me with a few household things today because I know it's important for them to stay active. I was debating on buying playdough and see if they would be interested in that entire arts and crafts type of things.

I've had dementia clients before, just never this far advanced and only one on one, not one on two.

Even if you have to unfold clean towels or something, that would give them something meaningful to do. We used to do all kinds of practical things with our patients...let them brush the dog, fold the clothes (some clothes they folded over and over just so we could give them something to do--you're helping their motor skills as well) sweep the floor, dust, polish their shoes, wash windows and mirrors, wash the car if you're outside, wipe the sink and countertops. They may not finish any of these tasks, or do them well, but they are great exercises and make them feel useful. I used to carry a doll with me to see some patients. I'd let them dress the doll and undress her. For the men, I'd give them nuts and bolts to work with, matching them, sorting them, fastening them. Sing old familiar songs with them. Some patients love old hymns. I hope you get many rewarding moments with these charges because I know you are working like never before. Good luck and may the Universe bless you.