Yonnie

John's descent into dementia continues and the lack of help continues to be a major feature in this decline.

We went to the doctor's surgery again this week. When he first became ill Kate and I would take him every fortnight and now we take him every month. No doubt the doctor perceives this as monitoring the situation, but the reality is that apart from the initial arrangement of an assessment and contact with social services, such visits are entirely counterproductive. Invariably, as happened yesterday, we wait 40 mins to an hour to see the doctor; during this time John has panic attacks which we have to calm. The consultation lasts ten minutes and is usually composed of advice which illustrates a lack of comprehension about how deep rooted John's dementia is. The advice this time was that John should take off his shoes and socks when he enters the house and he was given a prescription for oilatum. I was also advised to seek quotes for the installation of a shower.

John is physically very well; his dementia is early onset and has progressed rapidly. One of its manifestation is that he does not wash either hinself or his clothes. I doubt whether he has removed his shoes and socks in weeks. He has a perfectly decent bathroom in his house and is physically quite capable of taking a bath, but simply does not remember to do it.

He does not need to install a shower; he needs the sort of care which ensures that someone makes sure that he has a bath and puts on clean clothes.

The situation within John's house is getting worse although this week we managed to persuade him to call in a plumber to rectify the leak which had led to both the exterior and interior wall of his house being riddled with damp and mould.

We are fairly desperately hanging on for the visit from the the Community Mental Health Nurse and the Social Worker.

Meanwhile, John's grip on reality is weakening daily.