Frustrating

It can get rather frustrating dealing with someone with Alzheimer's. They do what they want, when they want and how they want. We were going out to see friends this morning. George's caregiver had him ready (apart from hair and shoes) before 10. It then took him nearly and hour to get ready so by the time we got there it was nearly lunch time. It is really frustrating when you want to get on with more housework or gardening or whatever. He will not be hurried. He wanted to go but only gets himself ready in his own time. They do not see things from other's points of view nor do they understand what others have to do for them as they just sit and accept that they will be looked after.

George is very slow to figure out what he wants to say and so you need to listen very carefully and fill in the words that he can't find. Mum was the same and they get uptight when you don't get the word for them.

I have heard people say that it is like looking after a small child again but this is totally incorrect and shows someone who has not dealt with these people on an intimate basis for any length of time. You cannot train someone with Alzheimer's to do things i.e. put things away after themselves as they have no idea how to do it. With a child they are learning, with these adults they are losing their memories slowly but surely and along with this comes the knowledge of how to do simple everyday tasks.

Happy New Year to everyone.