This blog was formerly dedicated in 2009 to my Dad who died of Alzheimer's in 2013. It's been three years now...and I find myself missing blogging...so I am re-inventing my blog... because, after all, life is about moving through, and going forward...

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The hallucinations and paranoia are creeping back in...

Mom went to visit Dad today. She found Dad sitting by himself in the wheel chair in the visiting area by the double doors.  He was talking very seriously to himself. Mom sat down and he continued his non stop conversation...  Mom listened as he talked of purchasing the nursing home, as well as Disneyland.  All his sons ran the properties, and we are all are independently wealthy. Dad stated his second to the youngest son needed to be reprogrammed, but Mom did not question him. 
 
She felt like she couldn't contribute anything conversationally because Dad barely paused for a breath.  He kept his eyes closed almost the entire time.  Despite his eyes appearing vacant, by his conversation, there was plenty going on inside his brain.
 
Dad's favorite nurse, told Mom, Dad refused breakfast from anyone but her. He thinks the others may poison him, and he only trusts her.  He was smiling and reaching for her hand when Mom and the nurse were talking by his bed.

After Dad was tucked in for his nap, Mom asked the nurse if she was working New Years Day.  Dad has always loved to watch the Rose Parade, so Mom suggested she might invite Dad to watch on his TV.  I was born in Pasadena, and as a child we lived with our grandparents in their Craftsman style home a few blocks from the Parade.  Dad used to take us every year to enjoy the parade as a family. Personally, I have very fond memories when I watch the Rose Parade...

I feel like the hallucinations and paranoia are creeping back in to Dad's existence. We have been so Blessed to have him not return to the Psych ward for several months... I pray, he does not have to return...

3 comments:

Mari said...

I'm sorry he is having to deal with this. I'll be praying for him, and all of you too.

Anonymous said...

Hello Donna - I am not far behind you on this journey with my Dad.His dementia is gradually getting worse.I'm trying to take a deep breath and brace myself knowing this is the journey ahead.Mum is 83 and in very good health, so somehow I think the coming years will be a challenge with issues of both dependence and fierce independence. Thankfully my daughter worked as a registered nurse in a nursing home. She is a source of strength, but the emotional journey of watching parents/grandparents age is hard.Thank you so much for sharing your journey.Best wishes for this coming year. I found, and will continue to find, your posts helpful.

Donna B. said...

Hi Mari, Thank you for your prayers, it is all about good days and the bad. Thankfully, there are more good. Happy New Year to you and yours.

Hi Pam, I am thankful you find comfort and help in my posts. My heart goes out to you. I agree, watching our parents age, is one of the most difficult challenges. Feel free to email me on anything...