I recently lost my mom who had dementia for 12 years. My socialization was mostly with the workers at her alf every day. I don’t work outside the home, and am finding myself without any friends. Anyone else in this boat?
I recently lost my mom who had dementia for 12 years. My socialization was mostly with the workers at her alf every day. I don’t work outside the home, and am finding myself without any friends. Anyone else in this boat?
0 Answers
Elderwerks wrote on :
Many of our family caregivers go through the same things you’re going through. You spend your life taking care of your mom and give up much of your own personal life. My suggestion is to join a support group for Alzheimer’s and dementia. You can also become a volunteer and bring lots of value to others. Figure out what you like to do, hobbies, volunteering, etc. and join some groups and/or clubs. I wish you the best.
carolyn mirabella wrote on :
Dear i am not in your situation at this time and am sorry that you are in such a rough time right now. in the past i have turned to my church for comfort and socilization. i will keep you in my prayers
Jeanne Parisi wrote on :
Thanks you everyone for your thoughtful and helpful suggestions. I am going to give some serious thought as to what direction I want to go towards. Thanks again for all of your kindness.
MsBetsyKarp wrote on :
Hi :)) I am sorry to hear about your mom. Maybe it’s time to start a new beginning for yourself and try to get out and meet some new people. Look on line at the meet up ‘s there are so many , and I have met some really cool people. Call an old friend and ask her to meet you for tea, once you start the process of moving forward , you will feel so much better ….and you probably will meet and have so many new friends… Lot’s of luck in your new journey… Betsy :))
Jeanna Hofmeister wrote on :
Oh Murph~ What a difficult space to be in! I moved a number of years ago to a small town in N. Idaho, some 60 miles from my office. My neighbors are primarily widows who are 35 years my senior. I’ve learned to value them as friends, but also lament the difficulty getting together with people because it requires a very long roundtrip drive to meet up with anyone. One thing I’ve done is to begin making jewelry. I found a bead shop just 25 miles from home and the woman who owns it is wonderful. She invited me to just come in and work at her beading table whenever I wanted. I’ve found that there are lots of women who have never learned to have a hobby and finding one at 55 has been a delight! I’m meeting new women and finding something soulful for myself. I hope you will take some real time to think about things you might have always wished you could do, but didn’t have time due to caring for your mom. While your sadness and lonliness are real, it is now up to you to rediscover who you are outside of your caretaker role. Good luck and please let me know how you’re doing!
Karen Canning-Millar wrote on :
I’m terribly sorry for your loss and while we don’t share similar circumstances, I understand what it means to lose someone and find yourself seemingly alone. I found, however, that I was only as alone as I wanted to be. Reaching out (even posting this message) is so good for you! Life goes on and so should you. Use the time and energy you devoted to your mother’s care to care for yourself. Join a group, volunteer, take a class, indulge a hobby (or start a new one). Bottom line, keep on caring… this world needs you. Godspeed.