SundayMotivation

be deliberate

Be deliberate in the choices that bring about change.

CAREGIVER NOTE:
Much better day and night. Much quieter, and not quite so anxious. Thankfully, there was not a repeat of the night before. No bad dreams overnight. He was pretty reserved and the dreams were enough to scare him and not want to go to bed last night. I let him share his concerns and worries. The suggestion I shared for help moving past the dream, seemed to work last night.

He is enjoying his flower garden and the new blooms he sees along the drive and his chore of watering them is something he looks forward to. Now if the birds would come to his feeder, I think he’ll be even more content until his dog comes home for good in late September.

change of outlook

Discover the bounty of what’s going right in every day. Jot down 3 things in a journal, planner, calendar for a week. Your outlook will change.

CAREGIVER NOTE: He enjoyed the birthday party last evening and it was still a part of his memory during his early morning wanderings.

The visits and the binder that was found that had all of his AF achievements in it. He thought that was pretty neat. We have it stored near his chair so he can look through it when he wants. More phone calls expected today – not all went through last evening.

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.