Good days and bad days

I often think good days and bad days are like 'the good, the bad and the ugly' when dealing with those with Alzheimer's especially when they are incontinent.

Yesterday I had to change George 5 times! I have just changed him for the first time today. Also I need to wipe his bottom as he is now unable to do this properly (baby wipes and rubber gloves). I often find myself putting on several loads of washing each day.

I was discussing this with the caregivers in Mum's home and they have several men in there who are the same. Someone told me I would know what to do as I had had a child! This is not true. It is the same with all sorts of things about dealing with Alzheimer's. A lot of people think that with Alzheimer's they go back into their childhood. It is different with each person but I have never seen anyone doing that. With the people they need to be treated with dignity and respect. People think you can divert them - this is often easier said than done and they are often bigger and stronger than you are. When George has made his mind up to do something well that is the end of that there is little I can do or say to stop him.

The down day

Today is a down day - this may because it is one of the days I go to see Mum and so he is on his own for a while. He got his onesie off last night but luckily no problems as he left the continence pants on. Yesterday I had to change them 4 times as he got them and his pants wet every time he tried to go to the toilet.

This morning he came out and said he didn't feel well but luckily felt better after breakfast and coffee. While I am away I leave him out food on the bench and put on a DVD for him. When I got back I found 4 odd shoes and slippers out in the lounge and several shirts out on the bed in the bedroom but luckily no toilet issues!! I always try to think of the positive parts otherwise you might not be able to handle things.

Deal breaker

George is getting worse. Last night he needed to change 3 times but luckily did not wet or soil anything but his clothes and the continence pad. He then just takes wet stuff off and drops them and puts clean ones on. I have rung the Continence clinic this morning and talked to them about the problems. We are now trying full continence pants but it may be a struggle to keep them on.

He is not able to get any food for himself (this has been for a long time) and often shadows me. Those with Alzheimer's want attention when they want it and do not realise you may also have other things to do. We are coping at the moment but the reality is that I may not be able to soon. When he goes into a home that will cost me 50000 a year which is quite substantial.

He loves to socialise and is quite happy to have someone chatting to him all the time....

Toilet issues

Last night George urinated all over the bathroom floor so that was my first job this morning. The toilet seat and the floor in the toilet have poo skids all over, second job! I now find that there are poo marks on the duvet, guess what the third job is and wouldn't  you know it, it is raining today.

I have to go to mum today. This morning I am having flowers delivered to her so I hope she enjoys them. I have also bought two big vases for the flowers. This afternoon I also have to go back to the home as they are having a family afternoon. My day is full on although I will go out and find somewhere to park and reds for a while. Some people may think I am lazy but I find that I have to be very adaptable and I spend a lot of time just cleaning up after George which most people don't realise. Other careers have the same problems!