Month: September 2023

Notice the small things throughout your day.  

CAREGIVER NOTE:

A walk around the garden late yesterday afternoon. He noticed the squash and pumpkins still on the vines, though not quite ready to harvest. A few tomatoes that are still too green to pick and was disappointed that there wasn’t any corn to take in and cook for dinner. The peach tree has just a few pieces of fruit clinging to the highest branches and the apples are beginning to turn red. He senses the change in the season as the days start much cooler and the sky darkens sooner.

He got a bit turned around last night in his room. He couldn’t find his way out. He couldn’t find the door. We went through a list of things he might need before going back to sleep. He seemed happy to know there was a door and he wasn’t locked in and the door could be left open for a little more light to come in.

He’s recognizing a “fuzz” as he calls it in his brain. He knows can’t remember things and can’t process thoughts clearly. It bothers him a lot. He’s sharing stories I haven’t heard before — but often gets stuck at a certain point and that portion of the story is repeated numerous times with just a few minor changes here and there. Hoping for stories again today…. sharing them makes him feel a little more alive.

What’s around the corner for you?

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Memories were a big part of the day. Stories that hadn’t been shared previously. Experiences that seemed like they happened yesterday – because in his mind they did. Sharing the day with him was a joy as he shared a portion of a day in the life of … with me. Looking forward to another similar experience in the days to come as the long term memories are vivid and so close to the surface.

In this moment…..

CAREGIVER NOTE:

YIPPEE things: He can dress himself and take care of most of the hygiene stuff (with an occasional reminder). He can feed himself and make his bed and keep his room clean.

He doesn’t care about cooking things, but does like to have a selection of afternoon and evening snack foods available. His favorites being Oreo cookies, popcorn, bananas, ice cream or cherry pie or a milkshake/smoothie. We’re more than happy to oblige.

Be intentional and make the shift.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The nightmares are back. He’s spent the last 3 nights yelling in his sleep and it is unintelligible. He doesn’t remember it in the mornings and we’ve chosen not to delve into the “nightmares.” He is more tired when he gets up, however, so I know it’s impacting his sleep. He’s been okay with taking a short walk outside the last couple of days. Hoping that will continue. Grateful he is getting outside and out of the chair even for 5 minutes of fresh air. It will be getting colder soon. He still watches the birds feeding at the feeder and loves watching their antics at time — one seed for me and 15 for my friends below. I’m pretty sure I swept up about 3 lbs of seeds yesterday afternoon!

Celebrate the opportunities!

CAREGIVER NOTE:

We got a walk in yesterday. I’m not sure who celebrated the most, him or me, but it was worth every step! His stamina is flagging a bit and I’m really hoping he’ll be good with another walk albeit a short one, later today when things warm up a bit. Fall weather is approaching and the mornings are pretty cool. He’s all to content to just sit in his chair at the moment and let time pass by. Again, most suggestions for activities are met with a no.