Do you recognize this too? Long-term care changes something in your relationship. Or rather: quite a lot! The role as a partner shifts, communication feels different, intimacy takes on a new form.
Sometimes you may think: Is this normal? Do others have this as well? Care can strengthen bonds, but switching between a partner and care role (and back again) can be tricky. That can affect how you experience each other. “I miss my buddy,” we often hear. Roles shift. You care, arrange, help ... and along the way, intimacy and sexuality can shift. The need for it sometimes changes, or does not disappear - while the other cannot feel or indicate that boundary well (anymore). And that is painful and confusing. It happens in many relationships where care plays a major role.
There is no ready-made solution, but there are ways to better cope with these changes. Talk about how you are experiencing the relationship, even if it is exciting.
- Do things together that you enjoy and cherish memories
- Keep stating your own boundary and ask your partner about this
- Humor gives space!
- Try to separate caregiving duties from your role as a partner, for example, by not doing caregiving in the bedroom.
- Get advice on sexuality from a sex therapist.
- Discuss side effects of medications
- Charge your own battery on time.
- Find friends or on to share feelings with
We are here for you!
Many people ask mainly practical questions at Surplus. About help, rules, forms. But when it comes to relationships, love, tensions or loneliness ... they often remain silent. While it is precisely there that major concerns can arise.
Don't wait too long. We are here not only for practical things, but also just for these questions. These are allowed to be there. And so can you.
Contact our service if you have a question, are looking for advice, or just want to share your story.
Phone number 0162-748600.
