from the archives….

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Still not sleeping through the night – and the vivid dream made another appearance last night, but he was able to work through it without checking all the doors again last evening.

Not sure if cutting down on the amount of melatonin he is getting is contributing to the wakefulness at night, but we’ve seen a decrease in the amount of dizziness he is experiencing during the day. He hasn’t been complaining about being dizzy as much the last 3 days this week. So that’s a good thing. We’ve also been able to get him to drink a little more water and gatorade to keep him more hydrated. He’s been very good at supporting that as well. He’s even noticed a slight difference in how he feels. I’m glad he’s being supportive and willing to try a few new things.

He needed some help with a few memory related things yesterday, but other than that, he was pretty much spot on. He was able to complete his morning routine of getting dressed, making his bed and his morning hygiene. He selected what he wanted for breakfast, and his snacks for the day as well as lunch. He enjoys being able to make those choices and every once in a while throws in a zinger or two with some outlandish food choice that he knows we do not have on hand… He just laughs and then requests something else.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Yesterday was “tell a story” day. No repeats, just tell a long story that spanned years as if he’d lived it the day before. It was beautiful and lasted for nearly 2 hours.

today and every day.

that always dwells in your heart. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

It takes a village at times. Grateful for the good support and more we’ve had this past week. 

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. 

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.