CAREGIVER NOTE:

Sometimes, it just takes a different voice to get things going in a different direction. Grateful for the second voice yesterday that was able to get him up and moving. Afterwards, he was happy to have spent some time outside and around the garden. He noticed things that had been previously missed… and helped harvest most of the corn. He was anxious to make sure it was shucked and prepped for preserving (in the freezer) in short order to keep it as fresh as possible. He enjoyed a good evening.

Where will you let your dreams take you?

CAREGIVER NOTES:

Allow the dreams to be fulfilled if you can. We talked about a few of the recent dreams and what we could do to make them happen. He wasn’t sure that he’d be able to do what was needed, but was open to suggestions of how those parts might be taken care of by others. One pressing dream he wants to complete if possible: A family pedigree chart going back a couple more generations…. despite many years of searching he’s not been able to find information beyond his grandfather on his paternal line…. so, we spent several hours on Sunday searching different databases for a few names, but still came up empty. We tried a few collateral options, but to no avail. We thought of some additional options to try in the next few days and he seems satisfied that maybe we can find at least one lead that could open a door to find the information he’s seeking.

bring happiness and joy your way.

CAREGIVER NOTE:
Dementia sucks! It’s taking its toll and we are very aware that it is progressing a little faster now. New challenges for all of us every day. His highlight of the day yesterday was to sit by the garden and watch the cornstalks grow a little taller than they were the day before.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The drive to the old homestead went much better than planned. Two of his sons were there to help him navigate some pretty large feelings and get through some of the other tasks that were needed for the day. He got to visit with an old friend and close neighbor for a little while and then visit one of his favorite eating spots. Lots of good memories and additional ones made with the two sons that accompanied him. I’m not sure how things are going to roll out today after the guys leave to head back home, but hopefully the initial plans will work.

He’s pretty proud of the garden. He loves to sit in the evening shade of the fruit trees and watch it grow. He’s noticed the height of the cornstalks and that most of them are beginning to tassle out. He’s found squash, pumpkins and more growing on the vines and is looking forward to our cutting the first cabbage out of the patch. Last evening, we also found the first of the slicing tomatoes turning colors and a few onions that are just about ready to pull. He loves the daily changes and makes sure we take note of them too.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Kindness goes a long way… even on a not so good sort of day. We’ve had quite a few of those lately. Lots of sundowning and hallucinations the last 2 weeks or so. He swears he’s done walk throughs of the old house — fixed problems and more.

Grateful for the garden. He is enjoying it and goes out every afternoon to “watch it grow” and marvel at the ever so slight and bigger changes he does notice. He’s very happy with the garden — hoping it will keep him happy for a while longer — or until he can harvest at least one of the cabbages that are growing in the garden.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Laugh! It helps make everything better. It was fun to watch the chuckles as he reviewed what had just transpired. The smile was big… no anger at the mistake or mess-up. Decided eating another meal would fix it all up and he’d be good to go back to bed for the remainder of the night.

better than best sort of day.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

The shuffle is becoming a little more obvious and he’s holding on to the furniture and wall as he walks to the bedroom now. His gait is much slower as well. His balance is a little more off, but he’s refusing to use the walker in the house, though he will accept using his “friend” when he goes to doctor’s appointments or on other excursions.

Hang in there…..

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Even on the tough days, remember to BREATHE! Putting things back into perspective may be difficult, but as a caregiver, you’re there as a support and guide to a journey that will likely take twists and turns no one ever expected. It’s one step at a time — one moment and then the next. Hang in there. You’re not alone!