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...

Sunday, January 3, 2010

It seems like Dad is going into hybernation...


Mom went to see Dad shortly after lunch today. His favorite aide, told Mom she had just put him to bed.  She told her Dad has been very tired.  The RN told Mom Dad had slept in late this morning.  They may put him back on the appetite enhancer medication because his appetite has waned and become inconsistent.
Mom went to Dad's room to show him a picture she had printed from an email of one of Dad's best friend and his wife.  Dad and he used to be Chaplains together at Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora.  He was so kind and such a regular visitor with Dad, until his own Mother went into hospice.  Mom described the picture to Dad, but he would not even open his eyes to look at it.  He called her by my sister's name...
Dad's aide, showed Mom the cardboard horn he blew New Years Eve. The aide put it to his mouth and after some gentle coaxing, Dad tooted it for her.  Mom asked if he had watched the Rose Parade, but he told her he didn't know...
As Mom was leaving, she noticed a picture of Dad in bed with Santa standing beside him.  The nursing home had pictures of most of the patients with Santa on their bulletin board.

It seems like Dad is going into hybernation...



13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Donna,
I found your blog and had to leave a comment. I lost my dad at age 84 to Alzheimers. It is not something you can explain to someone unless you have walked in their shoes. My heart goes out to you and your family as you watch your father journey down this road.

Marcella said...

Doesn't sound like things are going too well with your Dad at the moment but that looked like a pretty Jolly New Years Eve you had. Sorry the old bones (your back) took the shine off it.

Darlene said...

It has been a while since I have visited your Blog. I am sorry to hear about your father. My Dad was in a nursing home for 1 1/2 years till he passed away in 1998. It is so hard to see what they go through. Though it is harder on those that love them. All you and your family can do is love him. It is so hard, but be creative with your visits and follow his lead. My Dad could not communicate with us, but could wheel around in his wheel chair and sing and always wanted to go home. Makes you feel so bad. It can be like dealing with a young child. So, do what you can and just make him happy and know that you still have him physically. Take care and my thoughts are with you.

Donna B. said...

Thank you so much Aspen. I am so sorry to hear of your Father's death due to this horrendous disease. I appreciate you knowing and understanding how it really is. I find personal comfort when people like you share your stories. It does help. Thank you again for your thoughts and concerns for our family. It is much appreciated.

Donna B. said...

Hi Marcella, my back is doing much better thanks to Icy Hot packs. We did have a great time New Years Eve, despite the soreness...thank you for your thoughtfulness regarding my Dad.

Donna B. said...

Hi Darlene, I am glad you stopped by to visit. As I told Aspen, I really do value and appreciate the shared stories of others who have walked down this difficult path. It is more difficult on the loved ones of the afflicted. It is double duty standing by helplessly watching the loved one deteriorate as well as hating that the loved one has to live out their days in a nursing home. Thank you again for your kind compassion.

Susan R. Mills said...

My grandfather and my aunt have both suffered from Alzheimers. My grandfather passed away years ago, but my aunt is now in an assisted living place. I will be thinking about you during this time. God Bless.

Lillian Robinson said...

I can relate to your situation...My mom has dementia. She is still able to live on her own, but it takes some work. The cause of her dementia could allow her to live like this for a long while, or be totally dependent tomorrow.

We also have Hubby's folks living with us. It can be difficult at times to deal with some of the day-to-day things that come up. I have written about a lot of those struggles on my essays blog.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Cindi said...

donna i would have sworn, id written some thing here and the day before on your blog...but i do want you to know im thinking of you and your family and understand how rough this is for all of you.. you're in my thoughts..

also i did ok your request for painting friends. hoping you got the email.. if not please let me know and ill check to see what the prob is...

take care!!

Donna B. said...

Hi Susan, Bless you and your family as you venture down the rocky path of this disease. My Dad could not go in Assisted Living. He needs 24/7 personal care that only a nursing home can provide. Thank you for your thoughts and support.

Donna B. said...

Hi Lily, thank you for stopping by to share your story. My Dad was living with Mom, but was needing more and more help, but would fiercely deny he needed any. He was driving up until last March. I was so relieved when we got him to give up his license. Make sure you have a supportive Primary Care Physician for your Mom. I think my Dad would have lasted longer at home had he agreed to take the medication for Alzheimer's/Dementia, but he refused to even admit he had it.

God Bless you for having your husband's parents live with you. My heart goes out to you, it is not easy...

Midlife Roadtripper said...

Donna,

So sorry to hear about your dad. I understand your situation much too well. My dad stayed home for quite some time but has been in care now for two years. Got to be too much for my mom. No need to discuss the sadness this disease brings. Understood all too well. I hope for a better day for him tomorrow.

Donna B. said...

Dear Midlife...thank you for your shared story. You are so right about the sadness. It was too much for our Mother as well. She is 82 and still works. Her A/D Support group is really helping her.