Hi everyone,
first time using the message board and very pleased to find it exists !
For the last year my father, 75, has been showing signs of altered behaviour, memory loss, he is neglecting his personal hygiene, will not change his clothes, without my mothers help he cannot dress himself, he cannot tell the time etc.
My mother would not discuss this, as she does not want to hurt his feelings, they have a traditional relationship, with my father being very much the partner who makes all the decisions. My sister and I realise he needs a proper assessment, to establish the cause of his confusion.
My father has no insight into his deteriorating memory or altered behaviour, but agreed two months ago, to go to the GP after my sister and i explanied we were worried about him, although we were forbidden by my mother to use the word dementia. (We had been to see the GP to voice our concerns).
The GP explained she needed him to see a specialist, but when the letter arrived with the heading Psycho-Geriatric Department, he rang and cancelled the appointment. he was very angry with my sister and I.
He is now showing signs of paranoia, accusing my mother of stealing his money etc, but is still able to hold a normal conversation, is aware of his surroundings and recent events. We need his permission to get a referral but as he has no insight into his illness, we are at a loss as to how to proceed.
I would be grateful for anyone who has dealt with this situation, to write back and say what they did.
thanks jill
first time using the message board and very pleased to find it exists !
For the last year my father, 75, has been showing signs of altered behaviour, memory loss, he is neglecting his personal hygiene, will not change his clothes, without my mothers help he cannot dress himself, he cannot tell the time etc.
My mother would not discuss this, as she does not want to hurt his feelings, they have a traditional relationship, with my father being very much the partner who makes all the decisions. My sister and I realise he needs a proper assessment, to establish the cause of his confusion.
My father has no insight into his deteriorating memory or altered behaviour, but agreed two months ago, to go to the GP after my sister and i explanied we were worried about him, although we were forbidden by my mother to use the word dementia. (We had been to see the GP to voice our concerns).
The GP explained she needed him to see a specialist, but when the letter arrived with the heading Psycho-Geriatric Department, he rang and cancelled the appointment. he was very angry with my sister and I.
He is now showing signs of paranoia, accusing my mother of stealing his money etc, but is still able to hold a normal conversation, is aware of his surroundings and recent events. We need his permission to get a referral but as he has no insight into his illness, we are at a loss as to how to proceed.
I would be grateful for anyone who has dealt with this situation, to write back and say what they did.
thanks jill