While you are caring for a person in your own home gradually, as the disease progresses, their needs completely take over your life.
I found that I saw less and less of my friends. We stopped going out during the evening. You actually become rather isolated. During this time it is important to retain the contact with others as much as possible. I tried to have coffee with friends whenever I could. Of course the effects of the earthquakes has also made this difficult.
My family had all gone so I only saw them briefly when they came over to see Mum. My son and grandchildren are in the North Island and I always made time for them whenever I could. I live in our home town but doubt that my siblings will ever return now our parents have gone as they have made their lives in Australia and there is now nothing for them here.
Since George has been in care it has been a real time of transition. For over five years my sleep has been very broken. My sleep patterns have not yet returned. I don't worry about it and several times have gone back to sleep and not woken up until after 9 a.m., very unlike me. I haven't had a lie in since I don't know when.
I am now 'camping' in my munted home while the flat where I live is being repaired. I now live on my own for the first time ever. It is a funny feeling. I am pleased I have my cat, Fluffy Bum, who sleeps on my bed at night which is rather nice.
I am having to make sure I eat proper meals! I must admit though it is just things I feel like.
It is lovely to not have the mess everywhere.
I am organising a group for people who have been carers and have recently put the person into care. We are meeting monthly at a cafe. It is good for people who are similar stages to get together like this as these people understand what you are going through.
Showing posts with label social interaction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social interaction. Show all posts
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Lock down
George's Home is in lock down at present as many residents have vomitting and diarrhoea. Keeping fingers crossed at the moment as so far George has not been affected. I am still popping in with milk shakes and things but I am not staying for long.
Often, when I arrive, George will be seating in the lounge and be sleeping. After a while he will wake. He still recognises everyone and enjoys looking through his books and photos. We discuss the photos and talk about things we all did together. He also enjoys hand massages. His language is often really good and we will have a long and, sometimes, involved conversation. Another day his language makes very little sense, it varies from day to day.
He is quite happy in the home and does enjoy being with others. The unit he is in only caters for twelve residents which is ideal for him. He is getting to know some of the other residents many of whom and still operating at a higher level than he is.
Often, when I arrive, George will be seating in the lounge and be sleeping. After a while he will wake. He still recognises everyone and enjoys looking through his books and photos. We discuss the photos and talk about things we all did together. He also enjoys hand massages. His language is often really good and we will have a long and, sometimes, involved conversation. Another day his language makes very little sense, it varies from day to day.
He is quite happy in the home and does enjoy being with others. The unit he is in only caters for twelve residents which is ideal for him. He is getting to know some of the other residents many of whom and still operating at a higher level than he is.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016
Online friends
When you in a situation like this online forums become most important.
On my birthday a lot of my old kids posted on my timeline. During the last five years it has been so nice to hear how much I meant to them. I have found that I do like to keep up with what people are doing it and this is a way I can do it.
I am aware that many people disclose far too much information in social media but this is where it can be a boon to some.
I do think that it is important that children are taught early on about how to use social media and about internet safety.
On my birthday a lot of my old kids posted on my timeline. During the last five years it has been so nice to hear how much I meant to them. I have found that I do like to keep up with what people are doing it and this is a way I can do it.
I am aware that many people disclose far too much information in social media but this is where it can be a boon to some.
I do think that it is important that children are taught early on about how to use social media and about internet safety.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Communication with the Alzheimer's person
I have noticed, and I know others have the same feeling, that many people talk about the person with Alzheimer's in front of them as though they weren't there. Many people are very condescending in their dealings with these people while others are embarrassed. People with Alzheimer's are quite capable of understanding many things even when in advanced stages of dementia and they need to be treated with dignity and respect. Many people lack the empathy to show any understanding.
A lack of empathy is a major component of the narcissistic personality disorder. While we have always had people like this in our community the number appears to be growing. As our population ages more people are being diagnosed with dementia. I have found that many people are scared of those with dementia and many lack empathy. We need to role model appropriate ways of dealing with things, animals and people for others and we also need to educate people on some of these things. We really don't need to have the 'Me' generation attitudes as being the norm.
When Mum first went into a home she got really upset at the way some of the caregivers treated her and/or spoke to her. She felt that she was being treated as a 'thick shit' and demanded that I inform some of these people that she did know what she was talking about - she obviously felt that they were behaving in a condescending way to her. I would do so. I notice that people do the same to George. I can quite see where these people are coming from as they see what is in front of them. They do not see the bright, articulate person this person was. I have made published books for both of them which show pictures of them during their life times. I have found that carers look at these and then look at the person in a new light. I find that many times I ensure that people have some understanding of Mum and George BA (before Alzheimer's). You often become defensive on their behalf rather like the mother of a special needs child.
Tolerance, empathy and understanding - all values we all need.
Here endeth the lesson....
When Mum first went into a home she got really upset at the way some of the caregivers treated her and/or spoke to her. She felt that she was being treated as a 'thick shit' and demanded that I inform some of these people that she did know what she was talking about - she obviously felt that they were behaving in a condescending way to her. I would do so. I notice that people do the same to George. I can quite see where these people are coming from as they see what is in front of them. They do not see the bright, articulate person this person was. I have made published books for both of them which show pictures of them during their life times. I have found that carers look at these and then look at the person in a new light. I find that many times I ensure that people have some understanding of Mum and George BA (before Alzheimer's). You often become defensive on their behalf rather like the mother of a special needs child.
Tolerance, empathy and understanding - all values we all need.
Here endeth the lesson....
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Funeral
Not to sure what we will do here. On Saturday George was upset when he learned that his friend had died. On Sunday he was talking about the funeral. When I said to him this morning that the funeral was today there was a silence. I asked him if he wanted to go and he said 'not particularly'. We have talked about who might be there that he will know. I have told him to see what he thinks later. I am wondering if he is worried about being with a lot of people he doesn't know. I have noticed that people with Alzheimer's do not cope well with a lot of people, they are best in a one-on-one situation although I am sure this is different for different people but I have certainly found it to be true for both George and Mum.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
George enjoyed his day
It was a hot day here yesterday, over 30 degrees. George has a much lower body temperature as does Mum. He was up very early and I was spreading out breakfast and keeping him entertained while waiting for the caregiver - this can be easier said than done.
I took him to Brighton to have a milkshake and something to drink. He enjoys doing this sort of thing however I also have housework to do which I often have to do as and when I can, this can be very frustrating however all you can do is the best you can as I am only one person.
I was able to contact one of his sons on the iPad using FaceTime. They talked for about an hour and George loved it as he was able to stay on his chair and chat away as well as seeing his son in real time. I had hoped to do this using Skype with his sons but this has never worked out. We have now arranged to do this each Sunday. This is great as it frees me up to a large extent to do other stuff, I just need to keep an eye on George and the iPad every ten minutes or so.
Another hot day today, hope to get out into the garden for a bit.
I took him to Brighton to have a milkshake and something to drink. He enjoys doing this sort of thing however I also have housework to do which I often have to do as and when I can, this can be very frustrating however all you can do is the best you can as I am only one person.
I was able to contact one of his sons on the iPad using FaceTime. They talked for about an hour and George loved it as he was able to stay on his chair and chat away as well as seeing his son in real time. I had hoped to do this using Skype with his sons but this has never worked out. We have now arranged to do this each Sunday. This is great as it frees me up to a large extent to do other stuff, I just need to keep an eye on George and the iPad every ten minutes or so.
Another hot day today, hope to get out into the garden for a bit.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
It doesn't take long
George has talked flat out since we left the home, I think they get quite lonely as they all sit in their own rooms a lot.
I quickly had to get back into the habit of getting him things to eat all through the day. He quickly made a lot of mess with food all over the floor and spilling drinks. I do try to keep a mat under him. He does try to go to the toilet but is unable to clean himself properly. I go through a lot of plastic gloves and baby wipes. To help keep baby wipes from drying out put a bit of shampoo in the opening and some warm water, seal back up and then shake around to soak all the wipes. This works well. I go through a lot of these.
George was looking through some photos and was looking at a photo of Dad. He said, 'I really miss your father'. They did get on well and used to tease each other a lot. We had a lovely conversation about it, so nice.
I quickly had to get back into the habit of getting him things to eat all through the day. He quickly made a lot of mess with food all over the floor and spilling drinks. I do try to keep a mat under him. He does try to go to the toilet but is unable to clean himself properly. I go through a lot of plastic gloves and baby wipes. To help keep baby wipes from drying out put a bit of shampoo in the opening and some warm water, seal back up and then shake around to soak all the wipes. This works well. I go through a lot of these.
George was looking through some photos and was looking at a photo of Dad. He said, 'I really miss your father'. They did get on well and used to tease each other a lot. We had a lovely conversation about it, so nice.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Respite care
I took George in to respite care on Wednesday. The people at the home are monitoring him to see if he needs a higher level of care. We had a long discussion about his condition. They will let me know how things go.
Yesterday, Christmas Day, I went to Mum's home and then I went to George's home. He had wanted to stay in bed and they were just about to get him up and dressed for Christmas dinner. He opened his presents. I had got him a big hat box filled with memorabilities about Audrey Hepburn and a set of DVDs. I was so thrilled to find that in a shop as I had never seen anything like it before and she is one of his favourite people. We were lucky enough to meet her many years ago and I took photos of the two of them having a long chat. He got presents his son sent which included some photos which we put in his blue memory book. I left him relaxed and cheerful as the staff were taking him in to have a shower.
They are going to put on a DVD for him later.
Yesterday, Christmas Day, I went to Mum's home and then I went to George's home. He had wanted to stay in bed and they were just about to get him up and dressed for Christmas dinner. He opened his presents. I had got him a big hat box filled with memorabilities about Audrey Hepburn and a set of DVDs. I was so thrilled to find that in a shop as I had never seen anything like it before and she is one of his favourite people. We were lucky enough to meet her many years ago and I took photos of the two of them having a long chat. He got presents his son sent which included some photos which we put in his blue memory book. I left him relaxed and cheerful as the staff were taking him in to have a shower.
They are going to put on a DVD for him later.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Struggling
I have been struggling with the bloody catheter all week. I am also struggling with everything I have to do. Tonight with a call from someone who could talk me through it I now have it sused on how to put on the night bag.
This morning George's caregiver arrived about 9.15. During his shower some workers on the road turned off the water! Just what you need. Once he was ready we went off to the memory clinic end of year coffee. Next it was to Mum's home. Stayed there for some time. Today mum was awake and then asleep in equal time frames during this time.
On the way to Brighton George was obviously in pain so I took him home, gave him more painkillers ( he had his medication while we were at the home). I emptied the bag for the third time today which shows he is getting those fluids through. I then put him on the bed and put on a DVD. I then went and did the things I needed to get done, post mail, get groceries, order meat, order flowers for Mum, get petrol for example. By the time I got home I needed to get the washing on as I was not able to get it done this morning. I then had to get on with tea.
George had a good sleep while I was out so that was good. I am now off to get him ready for bed.
I must say I am flat out but achieving very little. I rather panic when I think of all I need to do in the next few days so I try hard not to think about it. Unfortunately a lot of time is spent unproductively as I am with either Mum or George. I did have it all worked out as to what had to be done and when I would be able to fit it in but unfortunately the last two weeks have thrown everything out and with only be to do everything I doubt if I am going to achieve what I need to do.
No rest for the wicked ( I was wicked in a past life as I don't have time to be wicked).
This morning George's caregiver arrived about 9.15. During his shower some workers on the road turned off the water! Just what you need. Once he was ready we went off to the memory clinic end of year coffee. Next it was to Mum's home. Stayed there for some time. Today mum was awake and then asleep in equal time frames during this time.
On the way to Brighton George was obviously in pain so I took him home, gave him more painkillers ( he had his medication while we were at the home). I emptied the bag for the third time today which shows he is getting those fluids through. I then put him on the bed and put on a DVD. I then went and did the things I needed to get done, post mail, get groceries, order meat, order flowers for Mum, get petrol for example. By the time I got home I needed to get the washing on as I was not able to get it done this morning. I then had to get on with tea.
George had a good sleep while I was out so that was good. I am now off to get him ready for bed.
I must say I am flat out but achieving very little. I rather panic when I think of all I need to do in the next few days so I try hard not to think about it. Unfortunately a lot of time is spent unproductively as I am with either Mum or George. I did have it all worked out as to what had to be done and when I would be able to fit it in but unfortunately the last two weeks have thrown everything out and with only be to do everything I doubt if I am going to achieve what I need to do.
No rest for the wicked ( I was wicked in a past life as I don't have time to be wicked).
Monday, October 20, 2014
What a morning
As I have mentioned with George, at the present he has retained a lot of memory. Last night a builder was in to see about the place where we live in relation to the repairs that have to be done. He was asking if I would get an accommodation allowance but we won't get that and also he asked about a container for the contents which I will also have to pay for. Poor George obviously understood some of what was being discussed and afterwards asked me if it would help if he went and lived in our munted house!! I felt dreadful, he does try so hard to help and although it is not an easy situation to be in 'thems the breaks'.
I told him not to worry about it as nothing will be happening for ages however it must have been on his mind as he did not sleep well.
this morning he looked awful when he got up and was really 'out of it'. I gave him breakfast in 3 stages (as I usually do) fresh fruit, rice bubbles followed by toast. He was still restless and not really knowing what was going on. The caregiver found the same. For example while he was shaving he took his new razor to pieces, took me ages to get it back together again!!
Then we had Harakeke and I had to visit mum - got the washing on before we left and got it out the minute I got home. He was fine when he got to Harakeke and sat with some other old men and chatted away. He really loves socially mixing with the others.
Really you can't worry about other things I have found, just concentrate on each day as it comes.
I told him not to worry about it as nothing will be happening for ages however it must have been on his mind as he did not sleep well.
this morning he looked awful when he got up and was really 'out of it'. I gave him breakfast in 3 stages (as I usually do) fresh fruit, rice bubbles followed by toast. He was still restless and not really knowing what was going on. The caregiver found the same. For example while he was shaving he took his new razor to pieces, took me ages to get it back together again!!
Then we had Harakeke and I had to visit mum - got the washing on before we left and got it out the minute I got home. He was fine when he got to Harakeke and sat with some other old men and chatted away. He really loves socially mixing with the others.
Really you can't worry about other things I have found, just concentrate on each day as it comes.
Friday, June 27, 2014
Busy week
This last week has been busy and I am feeling rather behind with things and tired. This is something caregivers regularly face and it is just part of it although others may think we are 'lazy'. Don't worry about how others view it a caregiver can only do their best to support their loved ones.
On Monday I had meetings at my mother's home regarding their wish to move her to another facility. As the first meeting was at 9.30 I had to get George's caregiver to come an hour early so we could get there in time. This meant that I had to get him up earlier and give him breakfast etc and have everything ready for the caregiver. I took him with me to the home as it was going to be a long morning. I did not want to be distracted by worrying about how he was.
The first meeting was arranged for my sister and the staff at the home. This was so they could clarify to her the reasoning behind this move. I had told our family members what I had been told but was unable to justify their reasoning and answer their questions so felt it was better that she got it from them. The next meeting was with a woman from the hospital board who assesses mum to see what is going to happen. She had wanted to come the week before but as my sister was in NZ and only in Christchurch that Monday they changed things around to accommodate her being able to attend which was great. Several things that I certainly was unaware of before all this: An EPA can be superseded by the hospital board. If they want to do something that the family does not want they are able to. An assessment is done through notes and not necessarily from people who see the person a lot. The doctor who sees mum for about 5 mins every 3 months had written incorrect statements relating to her abilities at this point but only seeing her for such a little time makes it impossible for him to know. The two staff members who were there; one has only been at the home for a couple of months and had 'cared' for mum one morning, the other used to have a lot to do with mum (over a year ago) but has been working in another part of the home since then. I am not sure how valid anything they could say would be. I see mum twice each week but was not asked about anything. My sister spoke about how she found mum when she came over to see her and showed videos and photos of mum. The person from the hospital board knew that the wishes of the family were for her to stay where she was and that is what is happening. It was nice that there were three people there to voice Mum's wishes; my sister, the Patient Advocate and me.
On Tuesday I took George to Harakeke club and then my sister and her husband to the airport before teaching a small boy with his reading. It was lovely to catch up with my sister while she was here. She spent a lot of time going to see mum which meant that there were two visits I didn't need to do while she was here.
On Wednesday I spent about 3 hours with the accountant going over mum's George's and my books for the financial year and then I had to get more continence pants for him.
Thursday I dropped George at Harakeke and went to have coffee with some women I used to work with which was lovely.
On Friday we visit a friend who is unable to walk properly at the moment due to spinal problems and he therefore stays home by himself during the day. We go to chat and keep his mind off the pain etc. His wife is one who visits Mum each week so I feel that in some ways this pays her back and also George and the husband enjoy chatting. That afternoon I took George to East side Alzheimer's group. All these things he does is for socialisation which helps with the Alzheimer's. Friday morning I need to change the bed as George had wet it.
Today I saw Mum this morning. I dress George at the weekends. I leave George at home with a DVD on and morning tea on the bench and then get him lunch as soon as I get in. Then I get on with washing and other things here.
I am now putting George's onsie on back the front to try to stop him getting out of it during the night (last four nights) so far success....
I have managed to get a small amount of gardening done and luckily the lawns were done not long ago and don't need to be done again yet.
On Monday I had meetings at my mother's home regarding their wish to move her to another facility. As the first meeting was at 9.30 I had to get George's caregiver to come an hour early so we could get there in time. This meant that I had to get him up earlier and give him breakfast etc and have everything ready for the caregiver. I took him with me to the home as it was going to be a long morning. I did not want to be distracted by worrying about how he was.
The first meeting was arranged for my sister and the staff at the home. This was so they could clarify to her the reasoning behind this move. I had told our family members what I had been told but was unable to justify their reasoning and answer their questions so felt it was better that she got it from them. The next meeting was with a woman from the hospital board who assesses mum to see what is going to happen. She had wanted to come the week before but as my sister was in NZ and only in Christchurch that Monday they changed things around to accommodate her being able to attend which was great. Several things that I certainly was unaware of before all this: An EPA can be superseded by the hospital board. If they want to do something that the family does not want they are able to. An assessment is done through notes and not necessarily from people who see the person a lot. The doctor who sees mum for about 5 mins every 3 months had written incorrect statements relating to her abilities at this point but only seeing her for such a little time makes it impossible for him to know. The two staff members who were there; one has only been at the home for a couple of months and had 'cared' for mum one morning, the other used to have a lot to do with mum (over a year ago) but has been working in another part of the home since then. I am not sure how valid anything they could say would be. I see mum twice each week but was not asked about anything. My sister spoke about how she found mum when she came over to see her and showed videos and photos of mum. The person from the hospital board knew that the wishes of the family were for her to stay where she was and that is what is happening. It was nice that there were three people there to voice Mum's wishes; my sister, the Patient Advocate and me.
On Tuesday I took George to Harakeke club and then my sister and her husband to the airport before teaching a small boy with his reading. It was lovely to catch up with my sister while she was here. She spent a lot of time going to see mum which meant that there were two visits I didn't need to do while she was here.
On Wednesday I spent about 3 hours with the accountant going over mum's George's and my books for the financial year and then I had to get more continence pants for him.
Thursday I dropped George at Harakeke and went to have coffee with some women I used to work with which was lovely.
On Friday we visit a friend who is unable to walk properly at the moment due to spinal problems and he therefore stays home by himself during the day. We go to chat and keep his mind off the pain etc. His wife is one who visits Mum each week so I feel that in some ways this pays her back and also George and the husband enjoy chatting. That afternoon I took George to East side Alzheimer's group. All these things he does is for socialisation which helps with the Alzheimer's. Friday morning I need to change the bed as George had wet it.
Today I saw Mum this morning. I dress George at the weekends. I leave George at home with a DVD on and morning tea on the bench and then get him lunch as soon as I get in. Then I get on with washing and other things here.
I am now putting George's onsie on back the front to try to stop him getting out of it during the night (last four nights) so far success....
I have managed to get a small amount of gardening done and luckily the lawns were done not long ago and don't need to be done again yet.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Walking
George has this new person to take him out once a week, Sabina. They go for a walk on the inland track in the sand hills which is great for him.
So far the onsie is working well which is a blessing at nights.
It is so interesting to see him daily as he is up one day and talking and coherently and then the next day he can be very confused. He loves to have someone to talk to. When my friend was here she sat and chatted to him quite a bit and went through his book of photos with him discussing the different photos. He becomes very animated when he has the attention which of course is something I can't give him all the time.
So far the onsie is working well which is a blessing at nights.
It is so interesting to see him daily as he is up one day and talking and coherently and then the next day he can be very confused. He loves to have someone to talk to. When my friend was here she sat and chatted to him quite a bit and went through his book of photos with him discussing the different photos. He becomes very animated when he has the attention which of course is something I can't give him all the time.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Birthday
Well today was my birthday and I was lucky enough to get two presents. I am very grateful for both of them thank you Mr Key. One is a Gold card which gives the holder some advantages, one being that you can have free coffee at McDonald's. The other is a weekly super amount which is given to all New Zealanders when they reach retirement age. This is so nice as it has not been easy since I retired with many unforeseen expenses cropping up.
I took George to McDonald's today and we used the Gold card twice!! Nice coffee too.
George tends to be like mum and restless in bed. One of the caregivers suggested this to me: Yoghurt with a weetbix broken up into it. He was saying that it is also great for children but must be just before going to bed and it has a calming influence. Worth a try.
I took George to McDonald's today and we used the Gold card twice!! Nice coffee too.
George tends to be like mum and restless in bed. One of the caregivers suggested this to me: Yoghurt with a weetbix broken up into it. He was saying that it is also great for children but must be just before going to bed and it has a calming influence. Worth a try.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Looking forward
In about 10 days I have a friend arriving from Australia. It will be so nice to have her here for a few days. It is so nice to have some to talk to who I can just chat to about ordinary things which is not always possible with George and he certainly doesn't understand any problems which arise (and there have been many over the last 3 and a half years). Her mother was a close friend of my mother and also had Alzheimer's. Her family are bringing their parents ashes back to their roots in Darfield as although they lived away from here for many years their hearts remained New Zealanders. It is nice as she is well away of strange behaviours of those with Alzheimer's so it won't worry her.
George enjoyed himself talking about rugby to the friend we see on Fridays and it was even better as the friend's brother also came around so George was in his element talking about All Black tours of days gone by.
George enjoyed himself talking about rugby to the friend we see on Fridays and it was even better as the friend's brother also came around so George was in his element talking about All Black tours of days gone by.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Continence pads
We had a good night using these and so I relaxed. Big mistake. Last night he took the pants off and just left his pyjamas on. He wet those but luckily not the bed. He came back to bed with no protection and unfortunately I was asleep. I realised what had happened when I found his wet clothes on the floor. Got him up and put another pad on him quickly. Later he wet that but then it was time to get up and as it was also time for the caregiver I put protection on the couch and a rug over him until he had a shower (about 10 minutes later).
It is such as strange disease as some days George is still able to hold a great conversation about all that is going on in the world and another day is just 'not with it'.
We have had a ring and one of his sons is coming to see him which will be a real thrill for him. I have not told him as he has no sense of time and would expect it to happen NOW.
I am so pleased that this son is coming to see him before he goes further downhill as he will be able to have a good time with his father at this point.
It is such as strange disease as some days George is still able to hold a great conversation about all that is going on in the world and another day is just 'not with it'.
We have had a ring and one of his sons is coming to see him which will be a real thrill for him. I have not told him as he has no sense of time and would expect it to happen NOW.
I am so pleased that this son is coming to see him before he goes further downhill as he will be able to have a good time with his father at this point.
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Weekend
Last week I was going through some stuff to donate to a garage sale to raise funds for the Harakeke club. While I was doing that I found a book which I bought when mum was first diagnosed but had never read due to things just happening so quickly after that and then I forgot. It is a quick and easy read and although it was written in 1985 it is quite interesting to see the steps that have been undertaken since then. It was written by a woman in Wellington so is very relevant to those here - something that perhaps all family members should read to give them a better understanding. I found myself agreeing with a lot of what she was saying as it was about 'a daughter's dilemma'.
George was pretty confused all weekend. On Saturday I needed to go to mum at the home. George 'did not feel well' so went back to bed. I usually get the bedding washed and out before I go but that was not possible. I left him his breakfast and morning tea before I went. He had those while I was away.
He asked what had happened to another man he met at memory group and Harakeke club (they had got on really well). I reminded him that he had gone into a home and he wanted to know why and where his wife was. I explained that the wife had died and so he had to live in a home. George couldn't see why - he could stay home without me to care for him!!!! Love it.
George was pretty confused all weekend. On Saturday I needed to go to mum at the home. George 'did not feel well' so went back to bed. I usually get the bedding washed and out before I go but that was not possible. I left him his breakfast and morning tea before I went. He had those while I was away.
He asked what had happened to another man he met at memory group and Harakeke club (they had got on really well). I reminded him that he had gone into a home and he wanted to know why and where his wife was. I explained that the wife had died and so he had to live in a home. George couldn't see why - he could stay home without me to care for him!!!! Love it.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Visitor
George has just had an old friend from his school days staying which he really enjoyed. He loves having people to talk to.
In conversations now he can be really slow to say what he wants to. You have to WAIT while he gets it out. Often he is searching for words and you have no idea what he is talking about - very reminiscent of how Mum was.
I have been worried about what we will do for his 80th birthday. That day the Alzheimer's group are going to the movies at the theatre in Sumner so I am taking him there which I hope that he will enjoy.
In conversations now he can be really slow to say what he wants to. You have to WAIT while he gets it out. Often he is searching for words and you have no idea what he is talking about - very reminiscent of how Mum was.
I have been worried about what we will do for his 80th birthday. That day the Alzheimer's group are going to the movies at the theatre in Sumner so I am taking him there which I hope that he will enjoy.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Birthdays
This morning I took George for a blood test (we had to wait about an hour for it). When he was asked his date of birth he had no idea at all.
This year it is George's 80th birthday; a milestone Alzheimer's or not. When it was his mother's 80th birthday we had an afternoon tea for her friends and family at our home. When it was my mother's 80th birthday I had a dinner party at my home for her close friends and family including one of my sisters who travelled from Australia for it. This year for George I do not know what I am going to do. Most of his friends are dead or living away and apart from me there are no other family members here. I will have to try to think of something special for him for that day.
It is my mother's 87th birthday next week and both of my sisters are visiting for it so she will have all three of us here this time. I hope that she is awake and able to understand that day.
This year it is George's 80th birthday; a milestone Alzheimer's or not. When it was his mother's 80th birthday we had an afternoon tea for her friends and family at our home. When it was my mother's 80th birthday I had a dinner party at my home for her close friends and family including one of my sisters who travelled from Australia for it. This year for George I do not know what I am going to do. Most of his friends are dead or living away and apart from me there are no other family members here. I will have to try to think of something special for him for that day.
It is my mother's 87th birthday next week and both of my sisters are visiting for it so she will have all three of us here this time. I hope that she is awake and able to understand that day.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Visitors
Had a lovely surprise yesterday when an acquaintance popped in for coffee. It is so nice to see other people and just sit and have a chat about normal things.
George came and sat with us for a while and then went and sat inside as I think he was bored. He is best with one to one conversation and because he is slow to get his sentence out it becomes difficult when there are a few people. George still recognises everyone and knows about what is going on in the world. His continence problems arise as he is so slow at doing anything and I think he starts to go before he sits on the toilet. I am now reminding him to go when I see he has not been for a while.
George came and sat with us for a while and then went and sat inside as I think he was bored. He is best with one to one conversation and because he is slow to get his sentence out it becomes difficult when there are a few people. George still recognises everyone and knows about what is going on in the world. His continence problems arise as he is so slow at doing anything and I think he starts to go before he sits on the toilet. I am now reminding him to go when I see he has not been for a while.
Friday, January 31, 2014
Continence pads
The pads are working well for George. I am sure that these make him feel more secure. I tell him regularly that they do not come off and we have been over (many times) about going to the toilet.
I am happy that soon an old teacher of mine is coming to stay for a few days. Strangely enough he was in George's class at school so he always meets up with George when in Christchurch. He now lives in Perth (has lived in Aussi for many years) but remains a New Zealander and comes back at least once a year and catches up with old friends. It is always nice to see him. Later on the daughter of one of my mother's school friends is coming over to bury the ashes of her parents out at Darfield. She will also stay with me while she is here which will be lovely for me. It is really lovely to have someone to chat to who does not have Alzheimer's. I explained to both of them the situation here but both said it would just be nice to see us, so that was nice.
At the end of last week I met a cousin from Wellington for coffee which was really lovely. Her grandson lives here in Christchurch. She said to me how our mothers would love to know we were meeting up as family meant so much to both of them.
My poor mother does not show a lot of recognition any more. It is there sometimes but it is becoming less frequent. Language is ninety per cent gone with just the odd thing.
I am happy that soon an old teacher of mine is coming to stay for a few days. Strangely enough he was in George's class at school so he always meets up with George when in Christchurch. He now lives in Perth (has lived in Aussi for many years) but remains a New Zealander and comes back at least once a year and catches up with old friends. It is always nice to see him. Later on the daughter of one of my mother's school friends is coming over to bury the ashes of her parents out at Darfield. She will also stay with me while she is here which will be lovely for me. It is really lovely to have someone to chat to who does not have Alzheimer's. I explained to both of them the situation here but both said it would just be nice to see us, so that was nice.
At the end of last week I met a cousin from Wellington for coffee which was really lovely. Her grandson lives here in Christchurch. She said to me how our mothers would love to know we were meeting up as family meant so much to both of them.
My poor mother does not show a lot of recognition any more. It is there sometimes but it is becoming less frequent. Language is ninety per cent gone with just the odd thing.
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