CAREGIVER NOTE:
Vivid dreams ✓✓
Unmake and remake bed ✓
Dress and undress ✓
It was another one of those nights. I’m really hoping that we’ll see a shift in the circle soon.
POSITIVES:
Sat on the deck enjoying some fresh air for about 30 minutes yesterday
Good conversation throughout most of the day- though I am seeing some faltering in finding words at times
In good spirits for most of the day — no sundowning to speak of, just wanting to go to bed early.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Another wild dream last night. Thankfully, it was short-lived and he was able to go back to sleep without any more instances of “visitors and yelling.”
POSITIVES:
A few well intended zingers
He suggested a bath and set the schedule for it
Lots of lucid moments – asking questions about something he seemed very interested in
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Still not having quite the desired results since we updated his night time meds. However, he has slept a full six hours without any talking, yelling or screaming. I’ll take it.
We had a pretty good day overall — and he ate pretty good yesterday, including most of the taco he built on his plate last evening. His plate was full and there was just a bit of meat left – the tortilla (street taco size) and all of the veggies were gone when he was ready to get up from the table. No spices or salsa – were included in his meal.
POSITIVES:
He enjoyed listening to some Easy Listening music last night and made several positive comments about how relaxing it was.
We had a good conversation about the happenings of the day at the dinner table
He enjoyed the surprise treat of some fresh strawberries with his lunch yesterday.
CAREGIVER NOTES:
We had a pretty good day after a bumpy night. He’s given up on the computer and his games. He is frustrated pretty easily at this point. Hoping for a good day today. It will be a no news sort of day — I can definitely live with that.
POSITIVES:
He took a walk — soaked up a little sun
Watched a football game until the end (which he rarely does)
No diving into rabbit holes while talking about a memory from more than 70 years ago
some awesome “no word” moments today.
CAREGIVER NOTES:
I do hope the change in his meds will be a good one — Last night’s vivid dream actually got him out of bed and asking for help. I’m glad I was awake enough to be aware of what was happening and could help him work through things. The “shadows” were gone after turning on the lights and he was open to going back to bed after ensuring him that he had done his part and things were going to be okay and everyone was fine. At least it wasn’t the sort of dream that consisted of yelling, screaming and being angry.
POSITIVES:
Flexible in making some last minute changes in the routine for the day
Excited that T was able to spend most of the day with him
Was interested in watching something other than news for several hours
Choose good friends and keep your family close.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
After consulting with his dr (again) we’ve decided to make another change to his nighttime meds. Fingers crossed this will help as he hasn’t had a full night’s uninterrupted sleep in quite a few nights now. The cycle hasn’t reverted back to a full night’s sleep. Fingers crossed the change will help and in a hurry. I’m grateful she called last night to discuss the meds issue — especially since it was her day off and she’d worked late the evening before. We’re REALLY going to miss her as she’s retiring at the end of the year… we’ll meet her replacement next month when he goes in for his appointment.
Yesterday he got pretty upset with himself after spilling his drink. Accidents happen and we never make a big deal over them. It’s generally, just an oops and let’s get that cleaned up and get back to the regular stuff. It took him nearly 30 minutes to get over the spill and causing what he called “trouble.” It really wasn’t a big deal and I got to thinking afterwards that maybe that was something he “was missing.” Maybe previously someone has made a big deal of a spill while he was in rehab…. and he wanted the “fireworks” that had come with it (lots of juicy connection and recognition – although not of the good kind). That just doesn’t happen here. It’s done and over with and the mess cleaned up and we move on to the next thing.
POSITIVES:
Zingers and there were a couple of good ones
conversations with family members about different current topics
Asked for help when it was needed
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Another night of wandering… he did make it to the front door but didn’t fiddle with the locks this go round. I’m really hoping we’ll see him go back to the sleep all night cycle again soon. I know I definitely need some more sleep and he does as well.
POSITIVES:
Good appetite for most of his meals
Wanted to watch a western instead of news for a couple of hours (HOORAY!)
Remembered where he’d left his shoes the night before.
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Last night’s vivid dream was filled with laughter and a few smiles. It was such a different thing to listen to. Grateful to say the least — however, we still need a little more time for the adjusted meds to work effectively. Fingers crossed within the next couple of weeks we’ll experience the desired results.
POSITIVES:
Laughter
Good appetite
Supportive and caring conversations in the moment
CAREGIVER NOTE:
Much better day yesterday and overnight. Looking forward to sharing an update with the dr later today when she calls. The dizziness is a worry, so more watching and walking with him than we’ve had to do in the past since using the walker is still a resounding, “No.”
POSITIVES:
Video call from a grandson and great-granddaughter – meeting the great granddaughter for the first time
Short in person visit with an grandson that lives locally who’d come to help us with some yard clean up
Watched some football and stayed up with the game before listening to music for a couple of hours (nice switch up and his choice).
Greatitudes 