Two months later

As usual, no major changes, just slow and steady deterioration.

We are well into the swing of the Carer coming in the morning to help with wash/bath and dressing.  It has definitely been a help although I have had a few issues about timekeeping.  We have a variety of different Carers who are all wonderful, however they frequently come very late, very early or on occasion, not at all.  This is obviously the fault of their office and I have complained many times about them changing my usual times, probably to fit in with their schedule rather than mine!   I know it may seem I am being picky but I like to have Mum out of bed a little while before the Carer arrives or she becomes really cross or upset and it’s difficult to do this if I don’t have a definite time (within 10 mins either way of course).  On the other hand if I get her up too soon, it’s just as bad!  However on the whole, it’s a great help.

I may be tempted to ask for help at night in the future as getting Mum ready for bed continues to be a battle.  As soon as we’ve got her clothes off, she tries to put them on again, then gets angry with me for stopping her.

The communication problems continue.  Sometimes she can talk fairly well but at other times she talks quite fluently but using made-up words.  I looked this up the other day…..it’s called verbigeration!  There’s a name for everything!  When she comes home from the Day Centre she gets what we call ‘verbal diarrhoea.  She talks incessantly, seemingly about things that have happened to her that day, and they generally make no sense whatsoever.  Much of the time she talks with her eyes closed as though she is having a private conversation with herself.

The third day at the Day Centre has helped me have more free time.  There was just one week when Mum seemed to realise.  She was adamant she didn’t go two days in a row but didn’t argue for too long.  She still doesn’t like it which is odd as most other people who go seem to be very happy there.  However, at least she doesn’t complain as much as she used to;  she just accepts that it’s what she does.

I read alot about dementia and Altzheimer’s on-line and am never sure if it is a good idea.  I’ve been checking out the various stages of the illness to find out roughly where Mum is – alarming!

We have another check-up at the Memory Clinic next month but not sure how that will help at this stage.  I am also going on holiday next month while Mum goes into respite care.  I know that she is going to hate the idea of it and I am dreading telling her but I console myself with the fact that she is going into a lovely Unit where I know she will be well looked after.