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Pinned by Pat's Gameplan
68
Welcome to the Caregiver Forum!
This is the place to connect with others who are on the same caregiver journey as you. Here, you can share your experiences, find support, or just chat with others who truly understand the hardship and, yes, even the occasional joy of being a caregiver. This community is here to provide you with the emotional support and practical advice you need. Feel free to ask questions, share your stories, and offer advice based on your own experiences. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Our f... more
Posted by: Pat's Gameplan (12)
Showing 1 - 10 of 56 active discussions
2
How do you handle the evening confusion?
My wife seems to become much more confused and restless in the late afternoon and evening than she is during the day. She starts asking when we're going home, wants to leave the house, and sometimes becomes upset when I try to explain that we're already home. I've heard other caregivers refer to this as "sundowning," but I'm not sure what routines or changes actually help. If you've dealt with this, what has made evenings calmer and safer for your loved one?
Posted by: James Thompson on August 26th, 2026 caregiving tips (0)
2
I Feel Guilty When I Get Frustrated With My Mom
My mother has Alzheimer's and I am her primary caregiver, and lately I have found myself becoming frustrated over things that I know she can't control. Sometimes she asks me the same question five or six times in a few minutes, and even though I know it's the disease, I still find myself getting irritated. Afterward I feel terrible and wonder if I'm becoming a bad daughter or caregiver. How do other caregivers handle those moments when their patience is running thin without feeling guilty about... more
Posted by: Maria Robertson on August 24th, 2026 emotional support (0)
2
Dad gets angry with me over things he used to understand
My dad has Alzheimer's and lately he has become much more argumentative with me, especially when I try to help him with things around the house. He'll insist that I'm trying to control him or that I'm hiding things from him, even though I'm only trying to keep him safe. I know the disease can change how someone perceives situations, but it's difficult not to take some of the things he says personally. How do other caregivers handle anger and accusations without getting into an argument or damagi... more
Posted by: Pat Whittington on August 19th, 2026 emotional support (0)
1
I miss having my mom to talk to
My mom has Alzheimer's, and one of the hardest parts for me isn't the physical caregiving — it's feeling like I've lost the person I used to turn to when I needed advice or just wanted to talk. She still has moments where we laugh and connect, but more and more of our conversations revolve around her care and what she needs from me. I feel guilty admitting that sometimes I miss being her daughter instead of always feeling like her caregiver. How have other people found ways to maintain that sens... more
Posted by: Cody Jackson on August 14th, 2026 self care (0)
2
Mom is sleeping almost all day — should I be concerned?
My mother has moderate dementia and over the past week she has started sleeping much more than usual. She used to get up around 8:00 every morning, but now she sometimes sleeps until noon and takes several naps during the afternoon. When she is awake, she seems about as alert as she normally is, and she is still eating and drinking. Is increased sleep something that can happen as dementia progresses, or is a sudden change like this something I should call her doctor about?
Posted by: Jennifer Carathers on August 11th, 2026 medical questions (0)
1
Should I correct my sister when she remembers something incorrectly?
My sister has Alzheimer's and she often tells stories that aren't quite the way they actually happened. Sometimes she'll remember an event from years ago but change who was there or what happened, and she'll become upset if I try to correct her. I've started wondering whether it really matters if she remembers things differently, especially when correcting her only seems to make her frustrated. How do you decide when to gently correct someone and when it's better to simply listen and go along wi... more
Posted by: Rick on August 11th, 2026 caregiving tips (0)
2
How do I get Dad to shower without an argument?
My dad has dementia and has recently started refusing to shower or change his clothes. He gets upset whenever I bring it up and tells me that he already showered, even when I know he hasn't. I've tried reminding him, giving him choices, and waiting until later in the day, but we still end up arguing about it. Has anyone found a way to help with personal care without making their loved one feel embarrassed or like they're being bossed around?
Posted by: Daniel Hood on August 10th, 2026 caregiving tips (0)
2
Mom doesn't know who I am anymore
My mother has started calling me by her sister's name and sometimes seems to think I'm someone who works at the house rather than her daughter. I know intellectually that this is the disease and that she isn't choosing to forget me, but it still hurts more than I expected. Sometimes I correct her and other times I just go along with what she seems to believe because I don't want to upset her. How do other family members handle the emotional side of being forgotten by someone they love?
Posted by: Melissa Hester on August 6th, 2026 general (1)
2
How do you take care of yourself without feeling selfish?
I know everyone says caregivers need to take care of themselves, but I'm having a hard time understanding what that actually looks like. Between medications, appointments, meals, and helping my wife get through the day, I feel like there is always something else that needs to be done. When I do take an afternoon for myself, I spend most of it feeling guilty that I should be home with her. How have other caregivers learned to take care of themselves without feeling like they're putting their own... more
Posted by: Thomas Lake on July 30th, 2026 self care (0)
2
How do you find respite care that you can actually trust?
I've been caring for my mother at home and haven't had a real break in months. My siblings help when they can, but everyone has jobs and families of their own, so most of the day-to-day responsibility falls on me. I know respite care exists, but I'm nervous about leaving Mom with someone she doesn't know and I'm not sure where to start looking for reputable services. How have other families found trustworthy respite care, and what questions should I ask before bringing someone into the home?
Posted by: Angela Barthlow on July 4th, 2026 resources (1)