Caregiver Burnout

[KatieM]

I can also confirm that debris tends to stick noticeably less to bobbly bath mats compared to fleece blankets. You can shake a lot of it out before putting it into the washing machine; more so than with a fleece blanket. You will still need an absorbent underlayer.

They do however soak up quite a bit of water during the wash so you have to be careful to not overload the machine.

Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks for the heads up!

I would however recommend that you trial just one mat at first and then whether it works for you or not. You should be able to order them online; they usually come in quite a range of colours.

You are doing great and will hopefully end up feeling less overwhelmed. We all have our own crises at times when things are not going how we wish them to, sooner or later.

We all have times in our lives where we question ourselves or struggle when we have to balance our piggy care with other demands. Trust me, you will get through this, like I am currently getting through a broken hip that turned out to be caused by an inoperable brain cancer! And yes, even half a year after my sudden spell in hospital, I am still recovering and reliant on help with feeding whenever I am not feeling stable enough, cleaning out hay trays and cage cleaning - I can only do the one table cage for my pair myself as long as my hub cleans the hay tray. For the three ground floor cages we have a kind local lady coming once a week. It's not the first time that I had to balance my piggy care with family crises or when I have questioned myself after a string of losses close to each other.

Hopefully, all the tips and ideas for you to think through will give your thoughts a new direction, make you feel less helpless and overwhelmed and give you a new positive buzz.

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

It is so hard to admit “defeat” and ask for help! And I’m just 22 so it’s a big lesson to learn.

You're doing great, taking on that big lesson! Asking and then immediately taking on board all our varying suggestions and positive feedback from those of us with diagnoses. I was nowhere near that at age 22. I'm in my mid-50's now and I still struggle sometimes with asking for help and/or taking feedback on.

Keeping my fingers crossed that a good solution will come through for you in your particular situation!

 

[flowerfairy]

I had a herd of seven a few years back. It was hard work at times. Very hard.

I have recently decided to adopt an adopted pair of guinea pigs from a rescue. Waiting to hear if my set up is big enough.

I also agree that mini cage liners in high traffic areas (with zorb in the middle) really helps. I have cage liners on the bottom and mini liners under beds and under the water bowls.

I use those bobble mats but have them up side down so they are still squishy and comfortable for the guinea pigs but poos dont get stuck in the bobbles!

Good luck, it sounds like you have a few options to go with.

 

[KatieM]

I would however recommend that you trial just one mat at first and then whether it works for you or not. You should be able to order them online; they usually come in quite a range of colours.

You are doing great and will hopefully end up feeling less overwhelmed. We all have our own crises at times when things are not going how we wish them to, sooner or later.

We all have times in our lives where we question ourselves or struggle when we have to balance our piggy care with other demands. Trust me, you will get through this, like I am currently getting through a broken hip that turned out to be caused by an inoperable brain cancer! And yes, even half a year after my sudden spell in hospital, I am still recovering and reliant on help with feeding whenever I am not feeling stable enough, cleaning out hay trays and cage cleaning - I can only do the one table cage for my pair myself as long as my hub cleans the hay tray. For the three ground floor cages we have a kind local lady coming once a week. It's not the first time that I had to balance my piggy care with family crises or when I have questioned myself after a string of losses close to each other.

Hopefully, all the tips and ideas for you to think through will give your thoughts a new direction, make you feel less helpless and overwhelmed and give you a new positive buzz.

Thank you, it’s been rough! Been a few months in the making to get it this point so trying to be patient waiting it out and trying some new things to help! So thankful for this chat here!

 

[KatieM]

You're doing great, taking on that big lesson! Asking and then immediately taking on board all our varying suggestions and positive feedback from those of us with diagnoses. I was nowhere near that at age 22. I'm in my mid-50's now and I still struggle sometimes with asking for help and/or taking feedback on.

Keeping my fingers crossed that a good solution will come through for you in your particular situation!

Thank you…I’m told I tend to air on the side of acting more grown up than I am. Which is mostly a good thing…but also sometimes gets be wrapped up on situations like this! It’s a struggle and I’m still thinking out the perfect solution from all the advice here!

 

[KatieM]

I had a herd of seven a few years back. It was hard work at times. Very hard.

I have recently decided to adopt an adopted pair of guinea pigs from a rescue. Waiting to hear if my set up is big enough.

I also agree that mini cage liners in high traffic areas (with zorb in the middle) really helps. I have cage liners on the bottom and mini liners under beds and under the water bowls.

I use those bobble mats but have them up side down so they are still squishy and comfortable for the guinea pigs but poos dont get stuck in the bobbles!

Good luck, it sounds like you have a few options to go with.

Thank you! Yeah 5 is definitely too much for me and my space 7 would send my over board!

Thank you for the feedback on the multiple liners!