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. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

We’re a step closer to having to set up the motion detector or foot pressure pad in his room after last night. He’ll notice the extra light in his room from the monitor, so I need to figure out a way to “hide” the light from his view but still get full use of the detector — he’s forgotten about the baby cam — but there’s no light associated with that — He’s been pretty stealthy getting out of bed and opening his bedroom door if it’s closed. Lately, however, he’s leaving his room door open, so there’s no door opening to warn us of movement that the monitor hasn’t been picking up. I’m not sure if opening the front door was part of a dream or what, but thankfully, the hotel latch sticks a bit and he wasn’t able to get outside into the freezing night and we were able to get him back into bed safely. I see a shopping trip today for a new monitor or two. 

Let your light shine through acts of kindness every day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Another afternoon and evening of confusion. Not sure if sundowning was a part of it, but the old conversation regarding his retirement and pay was the topic for the afternoon and evening. We listened and tried to help him wrap things up in a good way and after about 45 minutes, I think it sank in – well at least for last evening. I know we’ll revisit it again and again, but he was surprised by how much we understood and the information we have gained over our previous conversations about this same thing. 

He still says he’s happy here and likes living with us… so that was a plus. He enjoyed a short outing yesterday and will have another one today if things go as planned. Fingers crossed, he’ll get a little more Christmas shopping for himself done and will want to help with the wrapping this evening. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:
ER follow-up with the dr yesterday. Dr decided to change up some meds a bit and was very good about explaining things to him in a way that he could understand at least while we were there. He didn’t remember the “talk” last night when I was giving him his night meds. So it looks like we’ll be explaining why he has to “drink” one of his meds now and do it 3 times a day.

He was in pretty good spirits yesterday – hoping that holds again today and through the rest of the weekend.

Have a grateful heart for friendships that last years and beyond the miles.