I know it can be hard being a caregiver I have one and I try to give him breaks during the day even if it's only a couple of hours a day you can get help having someone come in a couple hours a day to give you some down time so you can rest or do something for yourself you just have to get a hold of DHS apply for home health care and once approved they can find you someone who will come in for you that's how my adopted brother became my caregiver I hope this helps you out
Best Wishes
Theresa Generes

Thank you Kay, I love your reply. You give me a lot to think about and hopefully do some of your suggestions. I know I need to take care of myself and need to follow some of you ideas/instructions above. I need to trust others to take care of him. ❤️

SandyTimmons,

That is a very difficult kind of loneliness. You can be in the same house with someone you love 24 hours a day and still feel loneliness—especially when that person sleeps most of the day and you must always be available. Working may provide contact with people and purpose, but it does not necessarily replace companionship.

Talking about it, as you are doing here, is an important first step. Admitting that you are lonely does not mean you love your husband less, resent him, or are failing as his caregiver. It means you are human and also need conversation, friendship, rest, and a life beyond caregiving.

The baby monitor may help you hear him, but it also shows how constantly alert you feel. Even when nothing is happening, part of you is listening in case he needs you. That vigilance can be exhausting. A monitor can help with safety, but it cannot give you a true break if you never feel free to put it down.

If possible, ask a trusted relative, friend, church member, or paid caregiver to stay with him for a few hours once or twice a week. Begin with a short period if leaving feels frightening—perhaps a walk, lunch with a friend, church activity, or time somewhere peaceful. Knowing who is with him, how to reach that person, what he may need, and what to do in an emergency may make leaving feel safer.

Ask people for something specific instead of saying, “Let me know if you can help.” You might say, “Could you stay with him Tuesday from 1:00 until 3:00?” People often want to help but do not know what is needed. If family and friends cannot provide enough support, ask his doctor, social worker, Parkinson’s organization, local Area Agency on Aging, or insurance plan about respite care, adult day programs, home-care services, or caregiver groups.

Companionship can also come to you. Invite a friend for coffee, arrange a regular telephone or video call, ask someone from church to visit, or join an online caregiver group while your husband rests. Small, dependable connections can make a real difference.

His doctor should know that he sleeps most of the day. Parkinson’s can cause fatigue and sleepiness, but medication side effects, poor nighttime sleep, sleep apnea, depression, infection, low blood pressure, and other conditions can contribute. Finding a treatable cause might give both of you more time together.

Tell your own doctor if loneliness becomes hopelessness, constant sadness, anxiety, sleep trouble, or loss of interest in everything. Counseling can provide one protected place where the conversation is about you. 

There is no perfect answer. The goal is not to abandon your husband; it is to build enough help around both of you that you are no longer carrying everything alone. You deserve care, friendship, and moments when you can be yourself—not only a caregiver. Please keep talking to us. Best to you. - Kay