1st Timer at Respite Care

That's brilliant Granny23 so pleased to hear things were a success all round.
Here's to the next time

Very pleased you had a good outcome.

I’m so pleased you enjoyed your break granny23 and your DH was well looked after too. It must’ve been a very welcome change of scenery and routine for you and I do hope you get to do it again soon .

Yus! ?

Delighted for you G23. So glad it went off so well. I love Dublin and could happily live there. Here’s to the next time. I’m so happy for you, too, that DH was so nice to you on your return. Here’s to the next time. Slainte!

What a lovely break, G23. I'm all for the 'cult of the mammy' and wish it would extend across the Irish Sea! Glad your DH was none the worse - indeed much the better - for his respite. Hope you are able to repeat the experience.

Lovely to read a success story. Sounds like you all benefited ?

Pleased to hear it. It's gone well enough to allow both you and DH to look forward to the next break. Keep up the positive impetus!

I'm very fond of Dublin and would enjoy a return visit. Lovely folk!

What a lovely update.
So glad that you enjoyed your break Granny23
Hopefully your batteries will have been charged.

And yes the bonus being that others have gained an understanding of what you have to cope with in your day to day life.

Thank you for the update G23. Great to hear you had a good time and that DH is happy to repeat the experience. It will be easier next time!!

Sounds like a win-win situation. Everyone has gained from it. Next time round will be much easier and you wil be more confident. Well done.

So glad it went well. You had a well deserved break and Dublin sounds like fun. I would book the next Respite care as soon as possible and give yourself something to look forward to!

Pleased to report that Dsis and I had a truly wonderful time in Dublin mainly thanks to the kindness and willingness to help of the Dubliners, both native Irish and incomers from all round the world (only a third of Dublin Residents are Irish!). Airport staff, fellow passengers, hotel, shop and bar staff and passers by, leapt to our assistance at every turn, lifting our luggage, finding us seats, giving us directions. We were overwhelmed and began to worry that we appeared older and more doddery than we felt. However, a young man explained that it is the 'Cult of the Mammy' which makes Irish lads respectful and kind to all older ladies.

Best of all was the propensity of almost everyone to engage in easy conversation, to have a blether, with folk in a bus queue, seated next to them in a cafe or mostly in my case in the many partially enclosed 'smoking areas'. We visited most of the historic sites and gained a better understanding of Irish History. We found that we knew most of the traditional Irish songs from our days in a folk group, were singing along with great gusto.

Meanwhile DH, though rather confused, enjoyed his time in Respite Care, said he was very well fed and looked after but somewhat embarrassed to be given help in the shower and with dressing by a young woman. They say that Absence Makes the Heart grow Fonder - this certainly seems to be the case as I was welcomed home with hugs and cuddles and numerous expressions of thanks for all I do for him and apologies for taking that for granted. I expected him to plead with me never to leave him again but instead he has said that the 'break' has done us both good and we should do it again. As a bonus this has given the DDs an insight into how tedious and tiring the endless confusions and repetition of questions from their Dad can be. He usually keeps up a cheery front when they visit but was unable to maintain that over the longer period.

Well done for all that juggling. Now go ahead and have a well earned break x

I'm sure your DH will be well looked after - time to relax and think of yourself - have a great time Granny23 - after a few pints of guinness everything will look fine

I made similar mistakes when our first respite. I was on my knees when I picked my husband up!

You’ve definitely done the hard bit, the next one will certainly be easier and the one after than easier still. You’ll be fine once you get there and relax. Do let us know how it goes, wishing you well.

Yes it will be fine, enjoy Granny23. You can always have a quiet break next time. Good luck.

You had better go and enjoy this break Granny23 OR ELSE !

Having managed this, G23, the next time will be a doddle! Enjoy!

I hope you can find a way of enjoying the trip; but I do think you are right that a quiet few days might have been a better idea! - isn't hindsight wonderful?!

You've jumped all the hurdles, now go and enjoy yourself - it will all be fine!

Oh dear. Is there any chance of extending arrival and/or departure times at the respite place? Otherwise you have plans in place. Try to keep calm so your husband is not overly anxious before his visit. If he enjoys it he will be willing to go again.
If family or friends could keep in touch with the home and be prepared to visit him if necessary that will help put your mind at rest.
I hope you can enjoy your trip to ireland, its much deserved.