My Father 84 is in late stage 4, early 5 of Alzheimer’s. Previously a highly intelligent professional man.
He displays classic symptoms of this disease, yet gives the impression of perfect lucidity when questioned /challenged.
He constantly blames others for his failings and despite seriously limited mobility claims to be pain free and able to walk without his stick or walking frame, wanting to go out on trips yet unable to walk, collapsing, then being weary for days after. He is clearly dementing and deluded as to the true nature of his condition.
We are constantly correcting his mistakes, errors and generally making excuse for his behavior- to him, agreeing that it’s someone else causing his problems. Going to the bank 4 times to unblock his cash card as he forgets his pin, being one of them and claiming the bank has changed its security.
Walking on egg shells and admitting/owning fault is allowing this condition to control us as a family, instead of the other way round.
I want to tell him the truth, explain gently that we all ‘Slow down’ and that we all have to accept our limitations.
My Mother 82, disagrees and maintains that we must protect him from the truth. She herself is struggling to come to terms with what is happening and accuses my Father of being an awkward, difficult, rude, bully instead of a Man with an illness.
How have other carers coped with this demise? Do you tell the sufferer?
Minnie G
He displays classic symptoms of this disease, yet gives the impression of perfect lucidity when questioned /challenged.
He constantly blames others for his failings and despite seriously limited mobility claims to be pain free and able to walk without his stick or walking frame, wanting to go out on trips yet unable to walk, collapsing, then being weary for days after. He is clearly dementing and deluded as to the true nature of his condition.
We are constantly correcting his mistakes, errors and generally making excuse for his behavior- to him, agreeing that it’s someone else causing his problems. Going to the bank 4 times to unblock his cash card as he forgets his pin, being one of them and claiming the bank has changed its security.
Walking on egg shells and admitting/owning fault is allowing this condition to control us as a family, instead of the other way round.
I want to tell him the truth, explain gently that we all ‘Slow down’ and that we all have to accept our limitations.
My Mother 82, disagrees and maintains that we must protect him from the truth. She herself is struggling to come to terms with what is happening and accuses my Father of being an awkward, difficult, rude, bully instead of a Man with an illness.
How have other carers coped with this demise? Do you tell the sufferer?
Minnie G