Good evening all
Haven't posted since August when I moved back in with Mum & Dad after Dad came home from the assessment centre, as I have no internet access there. But did promise an update when I was able to do so. I have really missed the support of TP during a time when I really needed it!
We've had severe highs & lows over the last couple of months, the good periods are sadly getting more rare now, but during these times he amazes me how well he can do, standing unaided, reading the paper, holding a conversation, using a knife & fork to eat a meal & showing his wonderful sense of humour.
Sadly the "lows" are really extreme now, we've had nights where he has been really agitated & shouting out all night & not slept at all. Other days he just goes into a coma-like sleep for hours on end, rambling and clutching the air for things which aren't there, not wanting to eat or drink. Mobility is declining and some days he cannot stand, or put one foot in front of the other. The extremes are just so extreme now, you wouldn't believe it was the same man from one day to another.
The strain is really starting to show on Mum and I'm so worried about both of them.
Dad has gone into respite care for 2 to 3 weeks so we can recharge our batteries & catch up on some sleep. I still hope that we can continue to care for him at home for longer with planned respite breaks, but after a "bad visit" to the NH today, I'm feeling really down......He couldn't stand & hardly opened his eyes for the whole time I was there. My usual "positive mental attitude" seems to have taken the day off today & I just wanted to talk to those who I know understand...
Take care
Love
Gill x
Haven't posted since August when I moved back in with Mum & Dad after Dad came home from the assessment centre, as I have no internet access there. But did promise an update when I was able to do so. I have really missed the support of TP during a time when I really needed it!
We've had severe highs & lows over the last couple of months, the good periods are sadly getting more rare now, but during these times he amazes me how well he can do, standing unaided, reading the paper, holding a conversation, using a knife & fork to eat a meal & showing his wonderful sense of humour.
Sadly the "lows" are really extreme now, we've had nights where he has been really agitated & shouting out all night & not slept at all. Other days he just goes into a coma-like sleep for hours on end, rambling and clutching the air for things which aren't there, not wanting to eat or drink. Mobility is declining and some days he cannot stand, or put one foot in front of the other. The extremes are just so extreme now, you wouldn't believe it was the same man from one day to another.
The strain is really starting to show on Mum and I'm so worried about both of them.
Dad has gone into respite care for 2 to 3 weeks so we can recharge our batteries & catch up on some sleep. I still hope that we can continue to care for him at home for longer with planned respite breaks, but after a "bad visit" to the NH today, I'm feeling really down......He couldn't stand & hardly opened his eyes for the whole time I was there. My usual "positive mental attitude" seems to have taken the day off today & I just wanted to talk to those who I know understand...
Take care
Love
Gill x