I am constantly pestered by Community Mental Health team, Social worker and GP to take a respite break. My response has been the same over the last 13 years as follows:-
1) The places I have seen that would take Jean for a week do not meet her requirements nor do they meet my standards.
2) What would I do with a weeks holiday? Walk alone down Blackpool Promenade wearing a Kiss me Quick hat?
3) Until such times as Jean is totally bedridden and immobile I will continue to take her on holiday with me providing I can see that she is getting some benefit, however small, from the experience.
4) I have absolutely no faith in paid carers looking after Jean after a few years of their inability to do anything other than sit around texting and phoning.
Derek and Jean.