Dad has Alzheimers...

[Iggy]

Did that 4 years ago with my hard bitten independent rancher Dad.

He wasn't happy, but I have never lied to him in my life and he accepted what I said. He didn't like it, but he accepted it.

He is 92 and has adapted. He tells everyone but me that he likes it there.. Me, he tells how bad it is.

I replaced his nagging wife when she died and I think he is just getting even!!

 

[sureshotbob]

Bob best wishes to you and your dad. My wife and I took care of my parent's for several years. Dad also had alzheimers he finally passed from the complications. My Mom is blind and in the last year is going through some form of dementia she has been in a convalesent home for abought 2 years now it's very hard to see a loved one go through this. p/s we had to also talk both of my parent's into giving up there driver's license's it's very hard for them to give up there independance.

 

[feralmerril]

I always asked dad how the food was in the assisted liveing home. He always complained it wasnt "substanchal", they cook like for old people! Dad, your the oldest one here!

 

[gunsmith11]

sister in law has dementia, in the last year it has got worse, but her husband is there, but hell at our ages who will out live who

 

[Kevin G]

Bob, My Mom,88years old,has alzheimers. It's been a process.
When it came time to look for a place for Mom I went to the facilities unannounced explained the situation and asked for a tour. Felt I got a much better impression of the places.
Took me a while to realize that what the exterior of the place looks like, pretty gardens, nice stone walls, etc. has little to do w/what's good for Mom, it's to make the family feel better.
The quality of the care is what's really important.
I try to stop by and visit at least twice a week even though Mom doesn't know me at this point. It's important to me because it's the right thing to do and the staff has gotten to know me and know I'm sincerely interested in Mom's condition. It may be bucking the chain of command but I'll go right to the LPN's and assistants and ask them what Mom needs in the way of clothing and personal items. I follow up on thier suggestions in a prompt manner. They're the ones that are physically taking care of Mom on a daily basis. The unit RN is cool with this, I've gotten to know the staff a bit and believe in the end it helps both Mom and me.
I've stressed to them call me no matter what, I'm 20 mins away. A couple of times they have called when Mom was having difficulty and I went over, making sure to thank the staff for contacting me.

Bob, it's a tough situation.
Take Care, Kevin

 

[BobsSmith]

Thank you all again for your support.

Dad seems to do much better in a structured enviroment then he does at home by himself. He is still in the Psych Ward at the hospital. He is due to get out any day. I have been looking at various places that may accept him after reviewing the Dr's report.

Dad generally seems OK during the day, but confusion sets in during late afternoon and night. Per his Dr, he must eat properly and avoid alcohol, and this may slow down the progresson. Dad is aware that something is wrong, so I hope that we won't have to "push" too hard to get him where he needs to go. It will be in a facility in my area, so he will get frequent visits and outings while he is still able to do so.

We all have to deal with the "hand" thats delt to us.

Thankful for the many years of his guidence, discpline, and being there for us.

It's time for the roles to be reversed, we are there for him. Just like we were there for Mom, during her 2 year struggle with cancer. Mom went home on July 27, 2008.

Nice knowing we will met again someday!

Best

Bob