Going places alone

Arrowhead

I don’t need advice; I just have something on my mind. My wife is in stage 6 and she is still at home. One of our children still lives with us and I can leave her with him if I need to. There are too many places that I can no longer take her to because she gets restless and wants to return home. I’ve been going places alone that she has always gone with me to, and I’m having a hard time getting used to it. Earlier this year I flew to visit my brother for his birthday. It was the first time since 1976 that I had never gone anywhere alone. It felt weird. I can still take her some places, like a friend’s house or the grocery store, but some day that will not be possible either. I am starting to get used to it but I still have a long way to go.

sunnydove

We are in a very similar situation. I am the 24/7 caregiver for my 87 year old mom with late stage 6 Alzheimer's. I haven't been alone since Labor Day weekend of 2021 when I got a 3 hour break to run to the thrift shop for new clothes when an old family friend stayed with her. We go to the grocery store and doctor's appointments but that's pretty much it. She stopped being able to go to friends' houses for dinner or just to get out 2 years ago. Like your LO, she would worry about how we were getting home, where the car was, who was back at our house, etc. It was miserable for all involved. I am so lonely and detached from the world that I really look forward to our grocery trips and we try to go daily or every other day at least for a short trip to keep her used to it and for me to keep my sanity. But I dread the day when that will no longer be possible. I guess we will switch to grocery delivery but that costs money so not ideal. I feel for you.

sandwichone123

Yesterday I took myself to lunch at a pub on my way back to work after the dentist. I know they want me to sit at the bar, but I don't at all feel comfortable doing that, so I took a small table. Service took a long time after the waitress dropped off the two menus--she was sure I'd said I was waiting for a companion.

Even if you're comfortable being/going alone, it's still not always comfortable.