My nan's memory has been gradually deteriorating over the past 8 years, and last year she had a stroke. It was clear to the hospital staff that my nan was very confused and her short term memory was all but gone.
A carer visits the house morning and tea time to give her meds when I am unable to through work and to make her a ready meal for her tea. After the stroke I also moved into the house to care for her. My mum also helps with cleaning, washing and household duties and my uncle deals with hospital/medical appoinents.
My nan will come up with stories about what she has done during the day, that have never happened, sometimes even nasty towards family members (I.e. my mum has taken her clothes or my uncle has taken her pension) none being true. She gets adamant and very defensive, I try to talk her round then she will turn on me. Do I just agree and encourage her descent into ttime fantasy stories or be as adamant as her in reassuring her what she thinks has never happened???
I am finding things tough at the moment. This is just the tip of the iceberg, my nan potters around the house moving things ( ornaments, keys, purse, etc) and when she can't find them, is adamant people are coming into the house at night when she is in bed and moving or taking things. Between my job we are constantly playing hide and seek with her belongings.
Also when it gets to around 10 p.m my nan will be sat in the front room of her house ( where she has lived for 50 years) and gets convinced she needs to 'go home'. I tell her she is at home and ask her where she means and again she becomes very defensive and says I am trying to muddle her up...
Sorry for the massive post, I didn't intend on it being this long. If anybody has any advice I would be more than grateful. I feel I am fighting a losing battle that will only worsen in time
A carer visits the house morning and tea time to give her meds when I am unable to through work and to make her a ready meal for her tea. After the stroke I also moved into the house to care for her. My mum also helps with cleaning, washing and household duties and my uncle deals with hospital/medical appoinents.
My nan will come up with stories about what she has done during the day, that have never happened, sometimes even nasty towards family members (I.e. my mum has taken her clothes or my uncle has taken her pension) none being true. She gets adamant and very defensive, I try to talk her round then she will turn on me. Do I just agree and encourage her descent into ttime fantasy stories or be as adamant as her in reassuring her what she thinks has never happened???
I am finding things tough at the moment. This is just the tip of the iceberg, my nan potters around the house moving things ( ornaments, keys, purse, etc) and when she can't find them, is adamant people are coming into the house at night when she is in bed and moving or taking things. Between my job we are constantly playing hide and seek with her belongings.
Also when it gets to around 10 p.m my nan will be sat in the front room of her house ( where she has lived for 50 years) and gets convinced she needs to 'go home'. I tell her she is at home and ask her where she means and again she becomes very defensive and says I am trying to muddle her up...
Sorry for the massive post, I didn't intend on it being this long. If anybody has any advice I would be more than grateful. I feel I am fighting a losing battle that will only worsen in time