Month: December 2023

Sparkle and shine every day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He watched a whole football game and shared his own bit of commentary throughout last evening. His insight into “next plays” was spot on for the most part — He was a little disappointed when the game was over… but it was a good day and night overall.

He’s hugging the walls and furniture a little more as he shuffles around the house. He refuses to use either of the walkers in the house and tries to get away with not taking a walker on outings when we can get him out of the house. He wants that independence and feels that if he relies on a walker, he’s one step closer to losing another aspect of not being dependent on things or another person. 

Thank you for everything….

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He braved the cold and the crowds and went out for breakfast and later, a clothes shopping trip. He was pretty tuckered out by the time he got back, but he was happy and proud of the accomplishment — not so much about shopping and picking up a new coat and a few other things, but going to breakfast! He was all smiles about that adventure —

Make today an “extra” sort of day. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Another afternoon and evening of confusion. Not sure if sundowning was a part of it, but the old conversation regarding his retirement and pay was the topic for the afternoon and evening. We listened and tried to help him wrap things up in a good way and after about 45 minutes, I think it sank in – well at least for last evening. I know we’ll revisit it again and again, but he was surprised by how much we understood and the information we have gained over our previous conversations about this same thing. 

He still says he’s happy here and likes living with us… so that was a plus. He enjoyed a short outing yesterday and will have another one today if things go as planned. Fingers crossed, he’ll get a little more Christmas shopping for himself done and will want to help with the wrapping this evening. 

Get started today.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

I don’t think a week would be complete without at least one clogged drain in his bathroom. Thankfully, yesterday’s clog was quick to clear and not as messy as the two previous clogs. He’s so worried about creating extra work for me or the problem being difficult to remedy. He apologized profusely and was worried, once again, that I would be upset with him. He apologized for not remembering what needed to be done to fix it — I explained that he did the right thing and in the correct steps – he told someone about the problem before it got really bad. I’m not sure that’s what he wanted to hear, but I’m grateful that he told me right away that there was a problem while it could be taken care of easily. 

Our new “suggested” afternoon routine worked well yesterday — hoping for the same results today. He was very happy that he didn’t have to change his clothing before or after dinner because they were soiled. He’s looking forward to some holiday shopping this weekend — picking out his gifts of some new shirts (with a little breathing room) and possibly a new coat as his is very well worn and is in bad shape in several places. 

tenderness

CAREGIVER NOTE:
The shadows were alive last night …. He was seeing things and swore up and down there was something in his room. He couldn’t hear it, but he saw it. He wasn’t really afraid, but didn’t want to sleep if there was something else in his room. A thorough sweep with an extra light seemed to help — and he was able to go back to sleep…
He’s wanting to find some chocolate drops for Uncle Pert. We’re taking him out this evening to try to find some of the candy he remembers so fondly. We’ll see how that goes — I’m sure he’ll be eating them in remembrance of his favorite uncle on Christmas day.