Hello,
First post here and only starting to scratch the surface of how to care for my grandfather (who has dementia) and my grandmother (who does not).
She has been caring for him for over two years now at their home. Sadly a few weeks ago she became unwell and was taken to hospital. He was taken in to a home and we now seem to have crossed the threshold where he is going to be there permanently despite her returning home. I'm only able to visit sporadically but the rest of my family believe that he has deteriorated too much, and my grandmother shouldn't be put under the strain again.
It's incredibly distressing for her and she has only been able to see him in the last few weeks having left hospital her self. She wants to visit him everyday and doesn't want to leave each time. I feel very hurt and upset that he isn't allowed to just go home (in my eyes far better that they spend their short time together than pine away for each other in separation). I don't think there's anything I can do to change that situation but I would like to try and give them some sort of relationship and dignity back.
Does anyone have any experience in this field? I really don't know as much as I should but are there supported options for them to get some privacy; i.e. hospices where they can both stay, does anyone have experience of the sufferer going home for weekends, taking them out to lunch and allowing the couple some privacy for a few hours?
Thoughts / suggestions / prior experience all welcome...
Thank you,
Hugh
First post here and only starting to scratch the surface of how to care for my grandfather (who has dementia) and my grandmother (who does not).
She has been caring for him for over two years now at their home. Sadly a few weeks ago she became unwell and was taken to hospital. He was taken in to a home and we now seem to have crossed the threshold where he is going to be there permanently despite her returning home. I'm only able to visit sporadically but the rest of my family believe that he has deteriorated too much, and my grandmother shouldn't be put under the strain again.
It's incredibly distressing for her and she has only been able to see him in the last few weeks having left hospital her self. She wants to visit him everyday and doesn't want to leave each time. I feel very hurt and upset that he isn't allowed to just go home (in my eyes far better that they spend their short time together than pine away for each other in separation). I don't think there's anything I can do to change that situation but I would like to try and give them some sort of relationship and dignity back.
Does anyone have any experience in this field? I really don't know as much as I should but are there supported options for them to get some privacy; i.e. hospices where they can both stay, does anyone have experience of the sufferer going home for weekends, taking them out to lunch and allowing the couple some privacy for a few hours?
Thoughts / suggestions / prior experience all welcome...
Thank you,
Hugh