Often their upset & worry, or desire to swoop in & fix things doesn't help. Sometimes I need to share about what's currently going on in our lives, what developments there have been in my husband's behavior. He has Alzheimer's-type dementia. I deal with it on a day to day basis, but when I share, sometimes all I need is a listening ear. But some behavior is very bizarre and upsetting for someone who isn't dealing with it on a day-to-day basis. Heck, it's bizarre and upsetting to me too, but because I am dealing with it all the time, it doesn't come as such a shock to me.
Maybe I need to be communicating with people more on an ongoing basis.
Call your local " big church" for support groups ( where I live it's Saddleback. Very big) I have seen groups listed in the Penny Saver on first inside page. Google your area for Alzheimer's support, or simply the organization itself.
I would refrain from dumping on neighbors at weak moments. Once a neighbor sneaked up behind me in my garage as I was trying to escape a couple of years ago after a night of no sleep with Mother on a UTI. I was a raving maniac. Never saw her again. Lol! Vent Vent Vent!!! xo
You came to the right place, and I'm so glad you're here sharing -- and venting -- with the whole AgingCare family. Caregiving tears families apart sometimes; other times it brings them closer together to share such a huge responsibility. As we say in Portuguese, bemvinda.