Your answers: Time for you

karaokepete says,

‘Earlier in life I was a keen and competitive runner, then cyclist. As dementia crept in with my wife, and I found it difficult to leave her for any great period of time, I moved my cycling indoors.

‘Now I can sit my wife in front of the TV for her beloved gameshows while I take myself into the spare room to the exercise equipment. 

‘As I don’t have to worry about traffic etc, when indoors I have also managed to teach myself a second language and post on this forum while sitting on my bike. Who ever said men can’t multitask!’

nae sporran says,

‘My other half goes to day centre, or her “exclusive club” as we call it, one day a week, and has a carer from the befriending scheme in one afternoon a week.

‘That allows me to join a walking group and I just discovered there is a wellbeing café on the same day as the befriending carer comes in, so perfect timing.’ 

AliceA says,

‘I came across the idea for mini respites, scattered across the day. When a song moves you, stop and fully be with the song, sway with the rhythm. When waiting for an action, just take long slow breaths, focus on in then out.

‘This really helps when standing waiting for my very slow husband to get to a chair etc. Beautiful sunset? Just stop and stare a while. They sleep… rest! Slowing down makes more haste in the long run.’ 

Gladys1946 says,

‘All you can do is live each day as best you can. I find that some days are fine and others I could quite cheerfully run away! You must make time for yourself. That’s not being selfish, it’s being sensible. 

‘Do keep in touch with Dementia Talking Point, as it’s so comforting to know that others feel just as you do.’