A free weekend

Well almost free. I did ring Edna today - and happily she sounded very chirpy. She had been to the bring and buy sale in the common room and bought a wall clock for Steve.

I have realised that she only re-started her Rivastigmine 48 hours before she refused to admit the carers. It is possible that the levels hadnt built up enough after the gap in treatment to be really effective. Add that to a possible downswing in her condition and that could be an explanation for Thursday.

But have I really had a weekend free of the fall out from Edna's dementia? No because it is always there like the elephant in the room that no-one mentions. I have no idea when I talk to her if she will need /want me to go over to see her to sort something out. Next weekend Tony and I are going to a games convention in Birmingham. And I am already planning when and how I am going to fit in a shopping expedition for her without it interfering too much with our social life.

I worry a little at work because there is a very poor and intermittent mobile phone signal in the dispensary so there is no reliable way to contact me if I there is an emergency. That isnt a huge issue - but it is another niggling irritation

When the phone goes unexpectedly I am always expecting it to be Edna - or someone telling there is a problem with Edna.

None of the issues are massive, none are insoluble but Edna's illness means they are always there. I have to plan trips to Moseley. I have to allow for mkaing unexpected trips to Moseley. It is always at the back of mind that I may be needed 7 miles away

I can be contacted by the wardens, the home care team, and the district nurses. I can rely on the local pharmacy (who luckily are very good) to make sure she doesn't run out of medicine. They keep the repeats and put the request into the GP Sadly I cant rely on the GP to get the prescription to them on time. But even the pharmacy has my mobile number so I can be reached 'just in case'

How much of this is due to dementia and how much is just the normal effect of an elderly relative? The problem is no-one wants to let her make a decision without me there . I dont want her making decisons without me there.

Yje ossue just never ever quite goes away