by Random » Sat Oct 10, 2015 12:03 pm
OHW wrote:Sorry for your loss Stoo - a sad time for you.
I've been kept busy recently with my Step Dad, he has Altzheimers and has deteriorated a lot over the past weeks. It's so sad to lose such a vibrant talented man to this awful disease, he has become a shuffling old man with no memory. My Mum is doing everything for him at the minute, as he is clinging on to his last bit of dignity and refuses help from anyone else. He lets me help out a little, but I'm kept busy by doing lots of stuff for my Mum, so that she can spend time with him and not get too exhausted herself. Between spending time at their house (just up the road from me) and working every morning, and looking after my toddler Grandson in the afternoons while his Mum is at work ... I haven't had much energy or oomph for posting in forums or facebook.
Although deterioration is the nature of Alzheimer's, a sudden change can indicate a water infection, constipation or other oncoming illness. Is it possible for you to check his water? Also don't be offended if he doesn't want your help. Encouraging him to do as much for himself as he can and supporting him with that will enable him to keep his dignity. It is difficult for family to understand but just because they have the disease does not mean they are not still in there. They are. I've worked with dementia for a few years and we see little miracles all the time, don't ever presume he doesn't understand and do not talk about his illness In font of him.
Good luck. I would advise checking his water and encouraging fluids. Try to aim for 200ml every hour, also rotate from hot to cold drinks because if he is only having hot tea and coffee that could dehydrate him.
You play CDs from his era, or just try to find fun activities he might engage in. Surrounding are very important, and they can get agitated if the temperature is too hot or cold, lighting too bright or dim, calming smells like lavendar or any other smells that trigger happy memories are good for mood.
Condolences to you too stoo.
[quote="OHW"]Sorry for your loss Stoo - a sad time for you.
I've been kept busy recently with my Step Dad, he has Altzheimers and has deteriorated a lot over the past weeks. It's so sad to lose such a vibrant talented man to this awful disease, he has become a shuffling old man with no memory. My Mum is doing everything for him at the minute, as he is clinging on to his last bit of dignity and refuses help from anyone else. He lets me help out a little, but I'm kept busy by doing lots of stuff for my Mum, so that she can spend time with him and not get too exhausted herself. Between spending time at their house (just up the road from me) and working every morning, and looking after my toddler Grandson in the afternoons while his Mum is at work ... I haven't had much energy or oomph for posting in forums or facebook.[/quote]
Although deterioration is the nature of Alzheimer's, a sudden change can indicate a water infection, constipation or other oncoming illness. Is it possible for you to check his water? Also don't be offended if he doesn't want your help. Encouraging him to do as much for himself as he can and supporting him with that will enable him to keep his dignity. It is difficult for family to understand but just because they have the disease does not mean they are not still in there. They are. I've worked with dementia for a few years and we see little miracles all the time, don't ever presume he doesn't understand and do not talk about his illness In font of him.
Good luck. I would advise checking his water and encouraging fluids. Try to aim for 200ml every hour, also rotate from hot to cold drinks because if he is only having hot tea and coffee that could dehydrate him.
You play CDs from his era, or just try to find fun activities he might engage in. Surrounding are very important, and they can get agitated if the temperature is too hot or cold, lighting too bright or dim, calming smells like lavendar or any other smells that trigger happy memories are good for mood.
Condolences to you too stoo.
