Hi @KnitandpurlMy Mum used to say “I just like to hear your voice”, my sister was much better at it than me. But I think my OH does too, so as he can no longer read I will read to him, he usually falls asleep quite quickly😏. Does your Mum like listening to pod casts or the radio, might give you a ‘chat’ break.
Contented silence! Mum pre-diagnosis would often sit in the backroom for hours doing puzzles and such surrounded by her thesaurus & numerous dictionaries, reckon she's making up for list time. Think mum was accommodating me somewhat knowing my 'conversational' skills were limited unless talking about work, research or goings on in the Middle East!!! Laser focus on my part I'm afraid...I was going to suggest could you read to her? Something u might both enjoy? I’m quite lucky in that we sit a lot in contented silence but I do enjoy reading her diaries to her…although she has no idea what they are but listens peacefully!
a busy day for you, no wondered you are knackered.A great night all in all consequently mum very bright & engaging post mid-pm today. Photographs with accompanying stories/history, massage (various joints) which was totally enjoyed, washed/cut hair, finger and toenails sorted too... what a day!! Knackered mind haha 😄
Hmm, looking at mum's hair though maybe a little bit too high and tight saying that if it's brushing around her ears she will itch them vigorously... ponytail & length seems reasonably top! And yes shattered but feeling positive about the day's outcomesa busy day for you, no wondered you are knackered.
Pauline is officially a ‘Super Taster,’ and so exists on very plain food, no spices, herbs or even salt. The only greens she eats are mushy peas and then only a table spoon full max. American fries, Crispy sliced potato's, airfried and microwaved jacket potato with butter. Boiled potatoes and supermarket thinly sliced beef plus aunt Bessies Yorkshire pud twice a week about sums up her diet and although portions are ridiculously small she is overweight, weird!After wolfing down a massive helping of brocoli and smoked haddock mum also devoured a large plate of strawberries & tangerine boats... where does she put it all? Cod and cherry tomatoes for late supper to follow haha.
I know!Pauline is officially a ‘Super Taster,’ and so exists on very plain food, no spices, herbs or even salt. The only greens she eats are mushy peas and then only a table spoon full max. American fries, Crispy sliced potato's, airfried and microwaved jacket potato with butter. Boiled potatoes and supermarket thinly sliced beef plus aunt Bessies Yorkshire pud twice a week about sums up her diet and although portions are ridiculously small she is overweight, weird!
The only ‘greens’ Pauline eats are tinned mushy peas 😝I know!
'Super taster' eh? The brain fog baffles me at times so much so now I've given up trying to science it out haha Mum's a bit like the TARDIS methinks volume wise - also very particular about how food is placed/divided on plate, mega portions a must but these have to be colour coordinated and has very little interest in what used to be her faves... She did have to adapt her diet (with her consent) following a serious illness but now won't deviate at all, salads being the exception which have a multitude of veggies presenting mum with a variety of colours, a veritable helping of chaos!! But no complaints my friend, she's eating better than ever so a big plus in her battles against the dreaded brain fiend
Never been my cup of tea personally but on the plus side at least it's still a vegetable!The only ‘greens’ Pauline eats are tinned mushy peas 😝
Difficult, @EddcornerAh well made a rod for my own back as mum now wants to hold my hand throughout the night, similar behaviour at the outset of our journey together. Maybe it's a passing thing and maybe she's just seeking that extra bit of reassurance, can't blame her if that's the case. Thought I'd nailed the routine after our chat but if mum needs me who am I to debate the issue? Love her to bits ❤
I have a camp/folding one in the backroom next to mum's hospital bed so I know where you're coming from @Neveradullday! ... consequently if she wants privacy at any time it's easily resolved nice and quick-like We haven't encountered any problems in the past several years but my presence reassures her, also she can indicate the need for personal assistance as and when. Early on in our journey mum would hold my hand for hours on end even when asleep!! At the moment it involves me on top of her bed with a loose covering (I actually get more sleep this way) until she drops off; perhaps during these later stages it's important for mum - I can understand that as we're heading into our tenth year. Never realised how bloomin' uncomfortable those beds are haha but yes it's a tricky one, I just want mum to feel safe in this instance.Difficult, @Eddcorner
At the start of my 24/7 journey with my mum, she was so disturbed that for the first 12 weeks I slept on the floor of her bedroom (on an inflatable bed).
After she attacked me with the landline phone one day (I'd tried to convince her I was me 😏), I decided "sod this, I'm going back to my own bedroom."
I felt so much better, I vowed never to repeat those weeks again. She got used to it very quickly, there's just a ritual each night now where I reassure her I'm not going anywhere ("I'm just along the landing - I can hear a pin drop").
I hope it's a passing thing for you both.
Oh my @sdmhred - how heartbreaking my friend. Mum has Flopsy 1 and Duggie too - we have a little ritual which I perform whilst tucking her in, she's just looking for something a little bit extra at the moment. On the plus side I've learnt to sleep on six inches (width) of hospital bed hahaMum here is increasingly wanting her hand held too. She will often not let go of thr carers - and I think sometimes forgets how to do it too 😢Often they have to prise her fingers open.
I often replace hand with a teddy bear or she will hold onto the sheet of the bed instead.