Caretaking my way- It's a 24/7

Being a caretaker is a physical & emotional challenge. There are times you think that your life outside of home is non-existent.

It's not a choice for everyone. It's a personal decision. It can be rewarding but has its challenges.

I have chosen to have my spouse at home and still work outside the home. It's a lot of hours, quite like having 2 jobs but less stressful than daily visits to a nursing home and seeing your spouse just existing.

I find that humor develops a better living arrangement. I make my spouse laugh with stupid jokes and singing. He, in rebuttal, uses his "unlost" humor to give me a snappy comeback. This gets me through the tougher times when all seems impossible.


There are secrets to my success (so far). One is strategically placing stabilizing bars in the house to help him pull up to standing position for changing him. Another is a collection of glasses with screw tops and straws so he can drink without spilling. I also have a "Thomas the Train" lap table. Don't laugh but it has compartments for a cup and napkin so he has everything at his fingertips. It is practical and saves on messes.

I find that every day I come up with new and unique items to assist me in my endeavor.

I love to tell stories so I'll leave you today with a recent situation. As I said I like to sing crazy songs or songs off key to make my husband laugh. I put him to bed the other night with my rendition of Judy Garlands "Over the Rainbow". The next morning when I was getting him up to dress him I asked if he had any musical requests for the day. His response was "How about something you know".

Go forth and show your love!