Month: February 2024

it is what it is

we’ll make it through this together.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

We made it through a very long night of no sleep — he was agitated about something, but didn’t vocalize it. He did say he wanted to talk to his “CFO” but after check his watch and the clock repeatedly he realized that everyone would be sleeping…. but he wasn’t ready to go back to bed. In his mind, everyone should be up and ready to handle his problem within the hour… so, I asked him to tell me about the places he and his family had lived while he was in the military and I shared a few stories from my childhood which stirred a few memories of his own. The agitation finally dissipated and he was ready to go back to bed about 4 hours later. Hoping for a good day today. 

2.7.24

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Reminder to self. We’re on a journey. The disease is not who he really is. Don’t confuse the two. Walk it together – deep breaths and be calm despite the confusion. Listen. There are a lot of clues in what they say towards finding the answer they’re seeking. 

Be open

Be open to the best moments the day has to offer.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Sundowning is becoming more of the norm than out of the ordinary. Hoping to hear back from the dr’s office today. 
We spent some time overnight dealing with another “worry” and hopefully, he’ll be able to “plant” the solution we worked out and not let that incident become a problem again. I’m doubtful, but he did invite me in to talk about it – rather than push me away. 
We still have a couple of other issues that haven’t been resolved in his mind. They niggle their way to the top of the pile and he stews and frets about them for hours on end working himself into a dither. The anxiety and agitation is pretty strong and he took his first nitro yesterday for some heart pain. It helped, he said. I hope we’ll see a little sunshine today — though the forecast says rain for most of the day. I just can’t seem to get enough light coming in for him. 

Believe in you – always

CAREGIVER NOTE:

More sundowning — he woke up about an hour after going to bed and was out of sorts with another “niggling” of a memory about a document that hadn’t been completed correctly and didn’t match a second one he had signed. A call to a son earlier in the day helped for a few hours, but it was back again last evening. Once we’d worked through the memory — he claims had occurred just a day ago, I think we finally figured out where and why he was getting hung up on it. We talked it through a couple more times — and our last review of the incident didn’t come with any added, “….but’s” in the next sentence! We’ll see how things roll out today. 

We ended the late evening with a collection of previously unheard stories and that were fun to hear and the expressions on his face were delightful to watch as he shared (and reshared) one of the stories about his dad riding a plow driven by a couple of feisty horses. He was able to sleep through the rest of the night with no additional anxiety or trouble. YAY! 

Take what you need

Take what you need and share with others in your circle of influence.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Sundowning. I don’t think I need to say much more. It’s been a very long afternoon and night of agitation and frustration for him. Two different situations were playing in his mind — as if they happened yesterday. Thankfully, some food and music were helpful to move past the agitation, but sleep has been very fitful. I’ve left the lights on so he’s not fumbling around in the dark looking for a light switch. Fingers crossed we have a good day.