My Dad is 88 and has had alzheimers for about 5 years. He has been in a care home for about 18 months as my elderly mother couldn't look after him at home. For the last year he has been pretty much stable, able to hold a conversation, have a laugh and look after his personal care. My Mum died in January. His walking has been deteriorating since then, although I've tried to take him out somewhere every week.
About 4 weeks ago I went to see Dad after a gap of 10 days and was shocked at the change in him. Literally in the space of a week, he could no longer wash and shave himself, he has trouble feeding himself, can't remember where the bathroom is (although it's only across the corridor from his room). Apart from meal times he just stays in his room and sleeps. On top of all this, he no longer speaks English. He came to this country from Latvia when he was 21. He seems to understand English, but all his conversation is in Latvian. They thought it might be a urine infection, but the test came back clear so it looks like the alzheimers progressing.
I have another relative in another care home who mentioned to someone that one of the carers there is Latvian, so I sent her a note asking if she would come and talk to my Dad, and luckily she has agreed to meet me there on Sunday so we'll find out if he is talking nonsense or not.
I find it so upsetting to see my Dad like this. I can hardly bear to go and see him, but both my brothers, my nephew and my niece have abandoned him so I feel like I'm the only person he has left. Last week I just sat and held his hand and cried while he talked to me in Latvian.
I know there's nothing much anyone can do, but I just wanted to share this with people who will understand. This is so cruel. Part of me wishes my Dad would leave us, but he's my Dad, I don't want him to go! Then I see him like this and it's like he's left me already.
About 4 weeks ago I went to see Dad after a gap of 10 days and was shocked at the change in him. Literally in the space of a week, he could no longer wash and shave himself, he has trouble feeding himself, can't remember where the bathroom is (although it's only across the corridor from his room). Apart from meal times he just stays in his room and sleeps. On top of all this, he no longer speaks English. He came to this country from Latvia when he was 21. He seems to understand English, but all his conversation is in Latvian. They thought it might be a urine infection, but the test came back clear so it looks like the alzheimers progressing.
I have another relative in another care home who mentioned to someone that one of the carers there is Latvian, so I sent her a note asking if she would come and talk to my Dad, and luckily she has agreed to meet me there on Sunday so we'll find out if he is talking nonsense or not.
I find it so upsetting to see my Dad like this. I can hardly bear to go and see him, but both my brothers, my nephew and my niece have abandoned him so I feel like I'm the only person he has left. Last week I just sat and held his hand and cried while he talked to me in Latvian.
I know there's nothing much anyone can do, but I just wanted to share this with people who will understand. This is so cruel. Part of me wishes my Dad would leave us, but he's my Dad, I don't want him to go! Then I see him like this and it's like he's left me already.