an oldie but goodie…..

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Another late night opportunity to listen last evening. He’d been in bed for a couple of hours, got up, dressed and came out just as I was getting ready to call it a night. He thought it was time for breakfast. He needed to talk and share his concerns and frustrations — he recognizes and shared that he gets confused more often then what he thinks is normal — that he has dementia and it scares him. He wants to do more, but isn’t sure what he can or should do. We talked about some things he’d like to do — and some things he assumed he couldn’t. It was fun to point out that he was already doing many of the things he wanted to do — and while there were a couple that probably weren’t safe for him to do at the moment with more than a foot of snow on the ground, we would certainly revisit a few of them when it gets warmer outside.

He reminded me of the experiences in the garden this past summer. And while he couldn’t physically do many of the things he used to do a few years back, he wants to be a part of the process again this spring and summer. We’re very happy to oblige and now with the deck, we can add a couple of box planters for some flowers he mentioned wanting to have. 

By the time he was ready to go back to bed, there was a smile on his face and he seemed very content and knowing in that moment, things were okay and he was okay and safe. 

CAREGIVER NOTES:
“Where are the keys?” ”Where are my car and truck?” ”Why are all those kids being so loud?” Just a few of the questions asked last night and there were a few more the night before — He was very confused, but at least he accepted the answers that were offered and he was able to relax a bit and go back to bed. This caregiver, however, is very tired this morning — Fingers crossed for a good day and better night. I think he senses the incoming change of weather as well. 

CAREGIVER NOTE:

Another long and late night. More questions about his finances. He’s not able to wrap his head around things and keep track. He’s worried he doesn’t have enough or that he’s not helping enough. I hope we were able to allay his fears a bit and show him that he was doing okay. That there was sufficient for his needs each month and a buffer for unexpected things. Today is another day….. 

image credit: Roger Lee Quotes

CAREGIVER NOTE:

New security system has been installed. So far, it’s a novelty to him, and he just asks a few questions here and there. Yesterday, he wanted to hear the doorbell. It’s very loud — we can hear it throughout the house. He likes the video thing too…. He thought that was cool. He hasn’t thought too much about going outside the last couple of days as it’s been rather chilly… but I do know there will be a day in the future that he may get out of the house for a little fresh air before I can catch him and we’ll be able to find him a little more quickly if that does happen.

CAREGIVER NOTE:

He learned that the house has been sold and all the t’s crossed and i’s dotted. The buyer starts moving in tomorrow. He’s not sure what to do now that he doesn’t have to worry about the house, property taxes, utility bills, etc. We didn’t realize how “big” those things were in his mind. Now to find something else to fill that space.