Sleeping.

[Mrshatsnak]

Good morning it is lovely to pop on here this morning and read similar stories to mine. My uncle also has diabetes but after speaking with his gp on Thursday I am reassured that the amount of sleep is not going to affect his medication. It's strange isn't it how we all believe that our situation is unique when really lots of us are in a similar situation. At the moment I don't have a problem with dressing or hygiene just regular prompts to change clothing and take a bath. I also find morning appt impossible and just change them as its too difficult. As you say though this seems much kinder than the carerers who have to cope with wandering and restlessness. Hope you all have a good day xx

[Witzend]

Sorry if this sounds insensitive, but can only say I'd have found it an absolute godsend if my mother or fil had slept a lot, particularly my fil, rather than the endless, endless, endless pacing and asking of the same questions over and over and over and over again.

[jeany123]

My husband has diabetes and Vascular dementia he sleeps a lot as well, sometimes sneaks back to bed when I have just got him up , I noticed if I say it's day centre day he is not tired,he is ready to go and bright as a button, I wonder how he can turn it on and off, he would sleep for hours if he has nowhere to go even though I try to find things to occupy him .

[jeany123]

Sorry if this sounds insensitive, but can only say I'd have found it an absolute godsend if my mother or fil had slept a lot, particularly my fil, rather than the endless, endless, endless pacing and asking of the same questions over and over and over and over again.

You are not insensitive , before he got diabetes my husband was like that and I must admit life is a lot easier now he has less hours to ask the same thing over and over again he can't pace because he is in a wheelchair but spends all his waking time looking through his drawers and boxes even though he never knows what he is looking for and he even does this during the night.

[Mrshatsnak]

I do agree that the sleeping is a relief and I think for the sufferer too as the anguish my uncle goes through is torment for both of us. I also find that on rare occasions he can wake when he wants to.

[Nanarhos]

Hi Joaniemac. I have come to believe that you cannot make someone who doesn't really understand that they are ill fit a routine. I tried, and life became very strained. I suppose it is easier to "go with the flow". I get frustrated waiting around certainly, but try to do something while waiting. I am an avid reader and have always got a book nearby, or start playing around on the laptop (which has been a lifesaver). Not housework you notice. My excuse for this is a bad back. One thing I did early on was to ask a community nurse who sees my relative to show me how to help him out of the chair properly and out of the car. I have been very grateful for the advice on that to avoid further pain. Now I am calmer and more tolerant I think. Another thing I have found helps is to try to have a life of my own in a limited way, if only for very shoet periods. A little "sewing" class for 2 hours a fortnight. Really a cup of tea and chat group! I am an a church organist and manage to keep that up on Sunday mornings, knowing that, at the moment, my husband is safe while in bed, As there is such a reluctance to get up I am able to keep it up. Every little helps to keep on an even keel. As you can see, the silence at home tends to make go omn a bit instead of a conversation. I think we have to be continually adapting . There are so many with far greater problems than mine. Keep well. Take care eve
ryone.

[Raffles]

Hello. I'm new, only found you a few days ago. I have gained so much help and comfort just reading the different posts. My husband was dianosed with ad 3 years ago after 3 years of trying to find out what was wrong. I was pleased to hear that someone has the same problem I do. Sleeping. He is awake only about 3 or sometimes 4 hours a
day when I take him for a ride or to eat. I began to think he was the only one who slept the day away. Won't get up till mid day or later and seema to be asleep in a chair most of the time. morning appointments are a big No. I manage to get him up by sitting on the bed, pushing the duvet back and putting his socks on. I then get him tyo sit on the side of the bed to begin dressing. Left alone this can take over an hour as he will sit with one leg in the trousers dozing for example. He doesn't always accept my help. Washing is another problem as I am not allowed in the bathroom. He often dozes off there. As for shaving......a rare event. I spend many hours just waiting. Very frustrating. I am so glad I am not alone with this. At least wandering isn't a problem. I am 76 and my husband 82. I am his sole carer and care for a close relative with problems also. So pleased to have found you.

Hi Nanarhos,
I just wanted to welcome you to the site. There are not many older husband and wife couples represented possible because they are of an age not to be IT literate. I am 81 and sole carer for my husband who is 82 and has had AD for 6 years or so. Things are getting harder all the time. I don't know how I would have coped without being able to poor my heart out to the wonderful people here who always seem to understand and help. Also so much useful information to be gained. So just post when ever you need to it really does help.
Raffles

[Nanarhos]

Hi Raffles. How right you are. It feels as if a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders since I found this site and realised I wasn't alone. There are so many with greater problems and I feel humbled. You must be very strong to be coping on yoiur own at 81. keep well and all the best to you.