any suggestions

[Per]

Hi, My wife is just 65 and in the middle stage of AD. We have always got on well and had an active love life. Although she is very pleasant all the time she is not interested any more in having a cuddle. I don't want to pester her but it is many months since we had any fun at all. I think it is time I did something or this part of our life will disappear for ever.
Best Wishes
Per

 

[Noone]

Gosh, I feel for you. This must be hard for you to cope with.
But if your wife doesnt want to, then you shouldnt force her to. You need to speak with her and find out where she wants the relationship to go from here, but be gentle and try not to be accusing, and dont dwell on the past too much.

I see this happening with the lady I care for, when her partner cuddles her, she stiffens up and refuses to hug him, but after a bit of quality time together, this often changes.

Its a tough one to answer, perhaps someone else with more experience with AD would be able to offer you some solid advice.

 

[Amy]

Hiya Per,
This must be so difficult for you - it is so hard when the person that we love does not want to show physical warmth - your only consolation is to accept that this is a result of the illness - little consolation I know. I hope others will soon be able to give you more support than I am able.
Love Helen

 

[Brucie]

Hi Per,

yes, it is another one of the awful things about this whole mess. I've been there and passed through it.

Unfortunately, if your partner gets to the stage they don't want to be touched at all, cuddles, etc, then you have to go with it.

This seems to me to be one of the really difficult things for those afflicted by young onset dementia - though I don't mind betting that there will be some who are much older on TP who would say - "no different for us!"

You have to reduce your expectations. Holding hands takes on a whole new meaning when that is all you have left. A slight pressure from your partner can be as welcome as a full blooded clinch in earlier times.

It just takes time to adjust.

Try looking at it from her side. What her perceptions may be.

Almost certainly you are over-estimating what she can comprehend - we all do that, in hope.

Coming to the realisation that some things are now relegated to the past, forever, is so very difficult.

Good luck

 

[Per]

Thankyou for the good advice

It's a bleak experience all round but we are still great pals. The OT visitor asked us if we were always joking around as much as we were when she was here and we said yes. We went down Blundellsands Prom today in very nice weather - no chance of getting her into the sandhills though! - the wheelchair would not take it! Thanks for your careful advice. Per

 

[Skye]

Hi Per,

- though I don't mind betting that there will be some who are much older on TP who would say - "no different for us!"

-- and even some older women!!

 

[Brucie]

and even some older women

and I was being so gender neutral. shame on you!

 

[Skye]

and I was being so gender neutral. shame on you!

Oops, sorry Sir. Just thought the thread was very 'masculine'.

 

[bel]

not quite the same but is a problem i am having

dear per
i so feel for you
it might not be of any use we have been married for 37 years like you an active love life but these last few years a cuddle ---once a week is all we manage
it does not matter to me with all that i am loosing re hubby
i find it hard now once a week to have a cuddle --hubby needs looking after as a child all week then i am to be his wife for a cuddle ---so hard --it must be the same for you
the way i see it and i am probably wrong
as long as i can hold his hand cuddle him talk a bit of normal conversation its the best i can get
i hope for the best for you
there are a lot more on tp better than me they am sure will help
love belx