SundayMotivation

Best day yet

Keep going because YOU CAN DO IT!

Not sure if this is meant for Dad or for us as caregivers, but the last 24 hours are keepers! No sundowning yesterday or sleep issues last night. He wanted to take 2 walks outside, which did happen — and from the discussion we had while he tooled along, he’s anxious to prove he can get rid of the walker sooner rather than later. The walker will always be his friend from this point forward, but I’m glad he’s thinking of something positive to look forward to rather than some other things he has referred to previously.

He enjoyed the Boost drink his doctor ordered yesterday, so hopefully, he’ll continue to drink at least one or two a day for the next while in hopes of helping to put a few extra pounds on. He does love his chocolate bars. I’m guessing we need to make another trip to the store to pick up a few to keep on hand.

Here’s to another good day.

today’s gifts

Look for the “gifts” in everyday moments.

ElderCare Part II:

New Beginnings in another journey with Dementia/Alzheimers —

Day 3: Settling in a little more. Last night was much better and T’s dad seems much more at ease.

Intake done by the Home Health group yesterday morning. Nurse returning today to give one of the two remaining shots on the prescription list (and that’s another story altogether). We have a few additional questions to have answered as well. This journey is definitely a bit different. His dementia isn’t quite as far along as Mom’s was when we came into the picture. He is verbal and while there are times he has to reach deeper for words, he can for the most part let us know what he wants. Choices and a bit of control over some things are still very important to him and especially some of the “why” he has to do things at a certain time or in a certain way — medications are a big one for him. So far, the answers we have been sharing are sufficient.

One of dad’s requests yesterday was for a shave and haircut. Mission accomplished. We weren’t sure whether he would ask for a full shave or just a trim of the beard. He came home clean shaven and was very happy. We’ll have to purchase a shaving kit for him this week. He’s never used an electric razor and one of us will be giving him a shave on a regular basis. He told us he prefers shaving cream and a razor. Hmmm….

The calendar for the week is beginning to fill up with follow -up appointments (grateful for video calls with physicians) and an intake for PT and possible OT needs to be done here at the house.

floods

See the good that is all around you and take a moment to share kindness today.

Today is the anniversary date of Mom’s stroke and her last 10 days of earthly life. Lots of memories are flooding in and thankfully, most of them good ones. (https://greatitudes.com/2021/05/23/the-end-isnt-too-far-off/)

Alzheimer’s took so much away from her and during those early years, she had the foresight to take some time and write down a few things that we have discovered recently. I’m very grateful we have those letters as they give us a more personal insight into how she felt as things slipped away from her memory.