Living with a family member that has dementia is difficult, there I said it!
Dementia sucks!
In August of last year my then 86 year-old father came to live with us. He was beginning to have some memory issues. The issues were starting to impact his life - he was a risk when driving, he was starting to have anger issues, he did not always remember to eat or to take his medication. He had started having difficulty managing his finances.
Ready or not we drove to Texas and brought him to our home in Northeast AR. This was a big move for a man who was born and raised in Texas and never had any plans of moving out of Texas.
The first few months we adjusted. The Big Man and our youngest son pitched in and we established a routine for providing care for Pops.
Routines are important for people with dementia. Structure helps keep things constant which minimizes the confusing that occurs with dementia.
But, we were not prepared for the feelings that come with watching a vibrant independent person loose their ability to be able to recall dates, memories of their life, or complete simple daily task.
Life will never be the same - it is like loosing someone you love, yet they are still standing right in front of you.
Next week we are headed to the geriatric specialist - I know there is nothing we can do to stop this demon called dementia, but maybe we can slow the process down?? maybe we can find a way to accept what the next months or years may hold??? maybe we can find ways to make Pop's life less forgetful???
Dementia sucks! Over the next few weeks I will be sharing information on dementia on my business blog - Connie's Family Practice stop by and check out what I learn as Pops and my family fight the demon Dementia.
~Connie~
2 comments:
My FIL suffered from Binswanger's Dementia. We were able to keep him in his home for 8 years, but it was not always easy to do. Fortunately, we found a local place for him with wonderful care after he could no longer remain at home. It's so difficult when you see them slowly go.
Thanks Debbie - I know this is going to be a rocky season in my life, but I also know in the end I will have spent precious time with him, that otherwise I would not have had.
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