There is one obvious reason that M has been upset this week: new faces have been turning up on the morning that she has carer sits.  C one of her main carers is on honeymoon and so their have been new kids on the block.  M doesn’t need personal care – ‘the sits’ are for me as much as her.  It’s an opportunity for me to have a break from caring duties and have ‘me time’.  However, I have not risked going out since Chloe has been away until I have checked out what is on offer from her replacement.

It would be ridiculous to expect the transition in care to be a seem less garment. We often thank our lucky stars for the quality of care that is on offer when you consider the rewards of being a carer.  Working conditions are poor and the daily challenges significant.  For most carer their wok is a vocation not a means of paying the rent.  Some of them work long hours without breaks day after day.  None of this helps when strange kids are on the block.

There have been days during C’s absence when M has been uncooperative with her replacements.  Her reaction has ranged from refusing to get out of bed to quasi hostility.  Change is never easy with dementia in the house but when your best mate is absent things become problematic.  So I have taken action this morning to ensure that C will be back with us as soon as she returns from honeymoon.

I visited the Care Agency this morning and laid it on the line.  If they are unable to provide continuity with carers  we will explore Direct Payment arrangements and employ our own carers.  I think they got the message and I anticipate C will be back in the fold soon to tell us of her adventure in Cyprus.