I am just starting the journey with my mum, I along with most of the family, think that my mother is starting with dementia. First problem is that our doctors won't discuss her with, either myself (her son), or her husband. Which I understand, and I actually completely agree with. My mother completely denys there is an issue, and will hide or deny any mistakes or errors on her part, so getting permission to talk to the doctor is impossible. I have discovered, that if I get an email contact for the doctor, they can take on board my concerns without been seen to "discuss" a patient. i.e. they are unlikely to respond, but it prompts action. For anyone less willing to use email, I am told a letter will have the same effect.
As a result of me raising my concerns, the doctor rang her and did a sort of quiz over the phone, then called her in for blood tests. Which I assume is the start of getting a diagnosis. We are currently waiting to hear the results.
In the meantime, I have chosen to spend as much time as I can at home, at least for the next few months, possibly longer, depending on covid (I usually work abroad) and how I feel about leaving when it's possible.
So my first question, is mum used to love cooking and her garden, the garden has pretty much been forgotten over the last year or so, and cooking is now ready-meals, which 2 years ago would have been a naughty word. I quite enjoy cooking, but got out of the habit, with fussy teenage kids, and a vegetarian missus, so I've stepped into the breach, am enjoying the process. Today is slow-cooked pork, with a cider and honey glaze, roast parsnips, potatoes and cauliflower cheese. However I am concerned that by taking over, I am actually making things worse and possibly causing a problem if I do need to go abroad again, dad is more than capable of cooking but he gets barked at, and interference when cooking, I don't.
Secondly mum was convinced that yesterday was Sunday, all day, right up to me putting Casualty on for her, just after 8pm. We spent most of the time correcting her, all day, but really does it matter. If we let it slide, does is it just lowering the bar, so the things get progressively worse, or by constantly correcting are we causing inevitable frustration. Dad errs towards constant correction, and questioning. I err towards does it matter, but step in when it causes a problem, i.e. gas left on, missing an appointment, that sort of thing.
Regards
Dave.
As a result of me raising my concerns, the doctor rang her and did a sort of quiz over the phone, then called her in for blood tests. Which I assume is the start of getting a diagnosis. We are currently waiting to hear the results.
In the meantime, I have chosen to spend as much time as I can at home, at least for the next few months, possibly longer, depending on covid (I usually work abroad) and how I feel about leaving when it's possible.
So my first question, is mum used to love cooking and her garden, the garden has pretty much been forgotten over the last year or so, and cooking is now ready-meals, which 2 years ago would have been a naughty word. I quite enjoy cooking, but got out of the habit, with fussy teenage kids, and a vegetarian missus, so I've stepped into the breach, am enjoying the process. Today is slow-cooked pork, with a cider and honey glaze, roast parsnips, potatoes and cauliflower cheese. However I am concerned that by taking over, I am actually making things worse and possibly causing a problem if I do need to go abroad again, dad is more than capable of cooking but he gets barked at, and interference when cooking, I don't.
Secondly mum was convinced that yesterday was Sunday, all day, right up to me putting Casualty on for her, just after 8pm. We spent most of the time correcting her, all day, but really does it matter. If we let it slide, does is it just lowering the bar, so the things get progressively worse, or by constantly correcting are we causing inevitable frustration. Dad errs towards constant correction, and questioning. I err towards does it matter, but step in when it causes a problem, i.e. gas left on, missing an appointment, that sort of thing.
Regards
Dave.