caregiver

The choices you make today…

The choices you make today impact the choices you’ll make tomorrow.  Choose wisely.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Another flooded bathroom incident. He attempted to clean up the mess before coming out to get help. He did a pretty good job cleaning up the excess overflow from the floor… now to convince him to change his clothing is a whole other issue. 

His dementia is impacting his long term memories and he was asking once again to call deceased members of his family. Oh how I wish I could make that happen and ease his concerns for their well-being. He shares recent “dreams” with me about seeing and talking to a few of them. He has visited with his brothers, but not his parents or sister. I’m beginning to think this conversation will become part of our daily routine as we’ve had similar talks everyday for the 5 days or so. 

1.20.24

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Finally a good night’s sleep – for everyone. No vivid dreams, no wanderings, no requests for keys, yelling and cussing. He does feel very alone at times. He asked about his parents and siblings. Wanting to know why that 50 years is missing in his memories. If only I had the answer why it was that block of time that wasn’t easy for him to recall and put the pieces together. We talked about the good things again: i.e stories he has to share with his grands and greats and how his influence and wisdom can help them on their current pathways. Now to record those messages over the next several weeks and find a way to present his “gift” that will leave a lasting impression on his posterity. 

important

You have important work to do today.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He is pretty stealthy. Looks like it’s time to put a motion detector in his room. He was dressed and nearly ready to leave. I’m sure if he’d had his shoes on he would have put his coat on too to try to get to his “destination” so as not to disappoint the visitors in his dream. It took a little time to convince him that at such a late hour they wouldn’t be upset if he didn’t show up right then. We made an alternative plan to make a call during the daylight hours and he could visit them via video call later in the day. Not sure if he’ll remember that when he gets up, but I’m ready if he does.