give thanks

experiences

CAREGIVER NOTE:
An additional day of pacing — not sure what he’s worried or concerned about, but hopefully, filling his wallet again with a little more cash helped resolve some worry he might have had. Or it could simply be that he’s having a difficult time with the house being a little darker than the norm as we’re trying to keep the heat out and not have to keep the AC going 24/7. So he could be doing a little more than his normal sundowning due to the curtains and blinds being closed in the living area more than not.

He ate several mini meals during the day… He couldn’t remember eating something an hour previously. He was still very hungry around dinner time and ate nearly everything on his plate and was very content for the rest of the evening.

Hoping for a good day today and tomorrow. And that the transition from having an “extra” here will be an easy one come Thursday as company is leaving for their home on the east coast. I’m really hoping he’ll adjust a little easier than the last time, but not holding my breath as we’ve entered another phase of dementia.

It is always possible

CAREGIVER NOTE:

After a really good night’s sleep, he had a very good day overall. Lots of smiles, laughter and enjoyed the company of his son and grandson who are still visiting for a few more days. When they aren’t in the room with him, he wants to know where they are. It will be a period of adjustment when they leave on Thursday.

share a smile

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He was all smiles as family members from around the state arrived for the family reunion at one of our local parks. He enjoyed spending time with them for several hours. We brought him home a little early as he was getting a bit anxious and using the restroom facilities at the park weren’t comfortable for him to use. It took a couple of hours for him to settle in back at home… he did a lot of pacing between the bathroom, his room and the living room, but he did settle in and went to bed just before 8.

We didn’t take any family group pictures yesterday, but one of the grandchildren caught some candids of everyone who dropped in and spent some time. It was a delightful day and we’re very thankful for all the help and support in making it happen.

windows

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He had a fun phone call with a long time friend yesterday and they reminisced for nearly 30 minutes without too much repetition on Dad’s part. That was the first highlight of his day yesterday.

He’s very excited about the impending visit of a son and grandson for a week. He’s been up and down a couple of times and is stirring a couple of hours earlier than his norm. I hope it’s a great day all around – but ready for a few bumps if rush hour traffic impedes their arrival.

moments

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Quiet day overall. He enjoyed opening cards and his big gift is still not quite ready to hang on the wall, but it should be today. He’s looked it over several times and gave it his approval.

He got pretty confused about a couple of things yesterday. He seemed to sort things out by the end of the evening, however, so that was a “gift.”

MOMENTS:
He remembered how to make a part of his birthday card move so he could show it off to another family member at the end of the day.
He was thrilled to have his all time 2nd favorite meal served while watching one of his favorite shows.
His smile and the twinkle in his eye were a delight to see and we even heard him laugh a couple of times while on the phone with a member of the family.

you are …!

CAREGIVER NOTE:

It’s celebration day, another trip around the sun has been accomplished!

— we were up late last evening. He just wanted to talk. He’s anxious about visitors coming — we’ll have to talk to the visitor about spilling the beans too early and causing some worry because he doesn’t arrive as soon as anticipated. The “where is he?” has been swirling around for hours!