George has been rather confused this weekend. He seems to go through periods of it and then be OK for a while. Something he did the other night was walk in and out of the room - he seemed to think things had changed somehow. He also pulls clothes, shoes etc out (as well as papers) and has piles all around the place.
I told him to go to have a shave yesterday and found him pasting pictures onto a window in the spare bedroom!! I had to take him into the bathroom. He was unable to start his razor so I did that too.
I find the best way to deal with this is just to say nothing and fix things up behind him.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Three
At the moment George is fixated by the number 3; he pours 3 wines at a time, this morning he put three hats on his head! I must admit it looks hilarious but I can fully understand how some others find it disconcerting and prefer not to visit. He sees nothing wrong with doing things like this. At home I just let it go but when we are going out I need to sort it out -
They can be like a 'dog with a bone' and it is almost impossible to divert when they have something in their head. I ignore and let it run its course.
DON'T SWEAT THE LITTLE STUFF
They can be like a 'dog with a bone' and it is almost impossible to divert when they have something in their head. I ignore and let it run its course.
DON'T SWEAT THE LITTLE STUFF
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.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Mooning
Something George does is he often returns to the lounge after going to the toilet without his trousers and continence pants on. I then have to tell him how to put them back on!! Luckily this has not happened when we have been out but could be a rude shock to others. This is where it becomes difficult as he is going to have to miss out on his son's second wedding as it is in Auckland. It is not possible to travel any more.
My sister has been in NZ for about 10 days and it has been nice to catch up with her. She and her husband have visited Mum, their friends and done a tiki tour while here. They stay at motel while in NZ.
Tomorrow we have meetings at the home as they are trying to move Mum to a different home as they seem to think she no longer shows dementia signs!! After 3 and a half years of living there this would be traumatic for Mum as she regards it as her home and knows the staff. Putting her with strangers is the last thing I would have thought she needed at this time. It is lucky that my sister is here to attend with me. I have also organised for a Patient Advocate to come as well. Because I will be away so long I am taking George to the home with me. I have therefore had to reorganise his care and our morning routines, so much to remember to do just for a simple thing like being ready for a meeting.
My sister has been in NZ for about 10 days and it has been nice to catch up with her. She and her husband have visited Mum, their friends and done a tiki tour while here. They stay at motel while in NZ.
Tomorrow we have meetings at the home as they are trying to move Mum to a different home as they seem to think she no longer shows dementia signs!! After 3 and a half years of living there this would be traumatic for Mum as she regards it as her home and knows the staff. Putting her with strangers is the last thing I would have thought she needed at this time. It is lucky that my sister is here to attend with me. I have also organised for a Patient Advocate to come as well. Because I will be away so long I am taking George to the home with me. I have therefore had to reorganise his care and our morning routines, so much to remember to do just for a simple thing like being ready for a meeting.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Dog with a bone
George can be like a dog with a bone. Mum was the same. He has been on about a photo of Charlie Upham which he has been unable to find so every time he can he starts pulling stuff out - even the cutlery from the drawer - looking for it. Yesterday I printed off some photos for him (in desperation) on one A4 page. Before I knew it he was cutting it up and lost one of the photos! Searching then started all over again. I printed off another sheet and gave him a book to paste the pictures in. He then started to cut them out. By this time he had lost the book (still haven't found it). I tried to divert him and dished up tea. Every 5 minutes he would get up and start on the pictures again and I would have to suggest that he might like to finish his tea. This went on throughout the meal. It can be very frustrating - LEARN PATIENCE!!!
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Sense of humour
It is important for those caring for people with Alzheimer's to retain their sense of humour. The Alzheimer's sufferers do some very funny things and it is nice to share some of these things with others. I remember when I was teaching that it is the same with kids and the teachers shared the anecdotes. As there is just George and me living here I sometimes share with the carers who come in to dress him in the mornings or with people in Mum's home. It actually needs to be with someone who has an understanding of the behaviours and the disease. I fully appreciate that before Mum I had little idea of what was involved but actually living with it is not something that others can readily understand without walking in the same shoes, like anything else such as fires, earthquakes and floods.
George is hallucinating a bit and the other night I saw him lift and imaginary phone and speak into it waiting for a reply. When he got none he carefully put the phone back. These hallucinations are very real to the person concerned. Seeing animals and children is very common.
My sister is visiting for 10 days and will be in Christchurch for the two weekends which means that I don't need to visit Mum on the two Saturdays so that saves me. She and her husband have gone for a trip down South to do a tiki tour. I plan to put George into respite care when the weather is warmer and do a similar trip on my own. Although it is not as much fun on your own it will be a lovely break. It is important for caregivers to take breaks so that they don't wear out.
George is hallucinating a bit and the other night I saw him lift and imaginary phone and speak into it waiting for a reply. When he got none he carefully put the phone back. These hallucinations are very real to the person concerned. Seeing animals and children is very common.
My sister is visiting for 10 days and will be in Christchurch for the two weekends which means that I don't need to visit Mum on the two Saturdays so that saves me. She and her husband have gone for a trip down South to do a tiki tour. I plan to put George into respite care when the weather is warmer and do a similar trip on my own. Although it is not as much fun on your own it will be a lovely break. It is important for caregivers to take breaks so that they don't wear out.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Weekend blues
George does try to help but unfortunately it generally creates more work. On Saturday I wash the bed linen and let the bed air while I go to visit Mum. I went into the bedroom to find a sheet plonked on the bed and the duvet inner taken out from its cover, just what you need.
George is certainly not coping with toilet issues at the moment and often comes out of the toilet area carrying his pants. It is very difficult to know how to deal with things sometimes as often those with Alzheimer's really have little idea of the fact that what they are doing is not the way to do it.
Another thing I will have to watch is whether he is starting to see things which are not there. Yesterday he looked over the arm of the chair and said to the floor, "oh there you are, what are you doing there?" When I asked who he was talking to he told me it was the cat. At the time the cat was having something to eat in another room.
George is certainly not coping with toilet issues at the moment and often comes out of the toilet area carrying his pants. It is very difficult to know how to deal with things sometimes as often those with Alzheimer's really have little idea of the fact that what they are doing is not the way to do it.
Another thing I will have to watch is whether he is starting to see things which are not there. Yesterday he looked over the arm of the chair and said to the floor, "oh there you are, what are you doing there?" When I asked who he was talking to he told me it was the cat. At the time the cat was having something to eat in another room.
Friday, June 6, 2014
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Catching up
I had a wonderful time when we had a friend to stay for a few days. It is so nice to have someone 'normal' to talk to. We went out quite a bit seeing the impact of the earthquake and having lunches. We also did a bit of shopping. I guess it is like a young mother but usually they have another adult round to speak to while I have no one.
Today was a public holiday. George is quite happy going to sleep or pulling everything out of cupboards! He also expects to be fed regularly...
Today I suggested that he play some quoits. That is something he likes to do. I have also saved cans and bought some balls from the $2 shop so he can play skittles. He won't do these things for long but at least it is something.
The new lady who takes him out on Wednesday afternoons (at 2 pm) is taking him for walks which is great for him. She is German and speaks with a thick accent but is lovely.
I find that I am constantly cleaning up after George - picking things up and putting them away, often the same thing several times. It is very time consuming. He has out about 4 pairs of shoes and 2 pairs of slippers in the lounge at the moment but always puts on two different ones.
Today was a public holiday. George is quite happy going to sleep or pulling everything out of cupboards! He also expects to be fed regularly...
Today I suggested that he play some quoits. That is something he likes to do. I have also saved cans and bought some balls from the $2 shop so he can play skittles. He won't do these things for long but at least it is something.
The new lady who takes him out on Wednesday afternoons (at 2 pm) is taking him for walks which is great for him. She is German and speaks with a thick accent but is lovely.
I find that I am constantly cleaning up after George - picking things up and putting them away, often the same thing several times. It is very time consuming. He has out about 4 pairs of shoes and 2 pairs of slippers in the lounge at the moment but always puts on two different ones.
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