caregiver

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. 

Blessings multiply

Blessings multiply as your gratitude grows.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The sundowning is getting worse. I need to find some answers that will help us all get through this phase. He doesn’t like to listen to music much, he doesn’t want more light – though the lights are on all day long unless he requests them off if he wants to nap in his chair. We have added an after dinner snack – which does seem to be helping some. He did eat really well last night — only feeding half of his piece of chicken to the dog. We’ve definitely moved into the 5 -6 small meals a day — his favorite choice is toast with jam. He does have some independent choices in what he eats for breakfast and lunch and in between meals and at times fixes it himself with some supervision. Our evening meal isn’t so much a choice, but is generally something he enjoys and has expressed a desire to eat recently. 

Then…..

Then…..Look for the miracles throughout your day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

the joy that brings life to his eyes happened again last evening. Two of his great grandchildren came for a visit. The older of the two is intrigued by the “toys” near his lift chair. It was fun to watch the two of them interact and keep everything moving for a while. The baby is six months old and grasped his finger when offered and he was thrilled about that. He talked with her and shared a nursery rhyme and a couple of songs he remembered from his past — we’ve heard them before, but I doubt the baby had. It was a very enjoyable evening and he was “done in” pretty early…. but was willing to hold out for a while longer until his normal bedtime. 

Make it happen. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He lit up for joy when one of the boys and wife walked through the door yesterday afternoon for a visit. They were able to go out to dinner and visit for a while longer. He was in good spirits for the rest of the evening. So happy that the effort to make a visit came to fruition. 

He was up late and is up early this morning. Hopefully, in good spirits. I wonder if he remembers our conversation about getting a haircut and his beard trimmed from yesterday. Sometimes those things stick and other times they don’t. It’s still too early for the shop to be open, but he’s dressed and making his bed – he’s ready for the day. 

Hoping your day is a “bright” one.

CAREGIVER NOTE:
At a loss at times on how to deal with the sadness he feels. Knowing that those he wants to talk to the most are no longer here. His realization that he is the last of his generation makes it all the harder for him. He just wants to be with them, talk to them, spend time with them. He is worried about his parents – and where they are. He asked to call them again yesterday and to talk to his youngest brother. Oh, how I wish I could make that happen. We did make some other phone calls, and thankfully, they helped a bit, but the sadness is still so evident.