Hi. I'm new to this forum so not sure if I'm posting in the right area, just looking for some advice.
My grandfather has recently been diagnosed with dementia, he lives with my grandmother, they are both in their late 70s. My grandmother is very active and outgoing and takes part in several social groups. My grandfather has never been anywhere near as active, but would usually come to family events etc when asked by my grandmother. He has always napped at some point during the day, but over the last year this has increased so significantly to the point that he now is only out of bed for a couple of hours a day. He'll stay in bed until mid afternoon, and only get up to eat a meal cooked by my grandmother. My grandmother takes his medication to him as otherwise he just would not take it. He's in early stages of dementia, he's sometimes forgetful and makes strange comments, but is generally aware of what's going on. But he's lost all interest in daily life. He has also changed from being such a particular and well presented man, to taking little care with himself, wearing dirty clothes, and not bathing regularly. He has been prescribed anti depressants but we've seen no improvement as yet. I know this must be upsetting for my grandmother but I don't think she's fully acknowledging the situation. The only thing I can think of, is that as a family we should be making him get up and washed and dressed at a sensible time, and spending time occupying him so he doesn't go back to bed. I don't know how easy, or fair on him, this would be tho. I'm just worried that if something doesn't happen soon then it'll be too late to do anything, and he's going to end up sleeping the rest of his life away. Can anyone offer any advice pls?
My grandfather has recently been diagnosed with dementia, he lives with my grandmother, they are both in their late 70s. My grandmother is very active and outgoing and takes part in several social groups. My grandfather has never been anywhere near as active, but would usually come to family events etc when asked by my grandmother. He has always napped at some point during the day, but over the last year this has increased so significantly to the point that he now is only out of bed for a couple of hours a day. He'll stay in bed until mid afternoon, and only get up to eat a meal cooked by my grandmother. My grandmother takes his medication to him as otherwise he just would not take it. He's in early stages of dementia, he's sometimes forgetful and makes strange comments, but is generally aware of what's going on. But he's lost all interest in daily life. He has also changed from being such a particular and well presented man, to taking little care with himself, wearing dirty clothes, and not bathing regularly. He has been prescribed anti depressants but we've seen no improvement as yet. I know this must be upsetting for my grandmother but I don't think she's fully acknowledging the situation. The only thing I can think of, is that as a family we should be making him get up and washed and dressed at a sensible time, and spending time occupying him so he doesn't go back to bed. I don't know how easy, or fair on him, this would be tho. I'm just worried that if something doesn't happen soon then it'll be too late to do anything, and he's going to end up sleeping the rest of his life away. Can anyone offer any advice pls?