Hi all
I'm worried about my dad who is 78 years old and becoming more confused quite rapidly.
My mum is 75 and almost housebound, but insists on covering up for my dad...she tells him what to do...and he does it..eventually.
Mum knows dad is getting worse..doesn't understand money (ex businessman) repeats questions, can't remember where things are etc. He also obsesses about things which is very difficult. He has always been quite grumpy and a sulker, but since his memory loss, he is much easier to live with as he isn't as argumentative with my mum.
I managed to get him to give me his car last year (pretended I couldn't afford to run my jag...so now I drive a Honda civic lol) and he is aware that he is forgetful, but mum refuses to approach the issue of dementia with him as she says it would upset him too much.
While I understand her concerns, I would like their GP to know the situation. Mum won't let me ring GP...says dad would be furious if I did...but I worry about how she will cope as things progress.
They never see Dr...only nurse and they always go together. He is very difficult as he will not tolerate being patronised...but it is hard not to when he will ask the same question 10 times in 5 minutes and not remember the answer.
I live 90 min drive away and ring everyday...but not sure what I should be doing...leaving them to it while they manage in their own way...or interfere in the hope that medication etc may help.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am a health professional and am used to sorting out health related things for them...it hurts that I can't sort this!
Thanks in advance
M
x
I'm worried about my dad who is 78 years old and becoming more confused quite rapidly.
My mum is 75 and almost housebound, but insists on covering up for my dad...she tells him what to do...and he does it..eventually.
Mum knows dad is getting worse..doesn't understand money (ex businessman) repeats questions, can't remember where things are etc. He also obsesses about things which is very difficult. He has always been quite grumpy and a sulker, but since his memory loss, he is much easier to live with as he isn't as argumentative with my mum.
I managed to get him to give me his car last year (pretended I couldn't afford to run my jag...so now I drive a Honda civic lol) and he is aware that he is forgetful, but mum refuses to approach the issue of dementia with him as she says it would upset him too much.
While I understand her concerns, I would like their GP to know the situation. Mum won't let me ring GP...says dad would be furious if I did...but I worry about how she will cope as things progress.
They never see Dr...only nurse and they always go together. He is very difficult as he will not tolerate being patronised...but it is hard not to when he will ask the same question 10 times in 5 minutes and not remember the answer.
I live 90 min drive away and ring everyday...but not sure what I should be doing...leaving them to it while they manage in their own way...or interfere in the hope that medication etc may help.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I am a health professional and am used to sorting out health related things for them...it hurts that I can't sort this!
Thanks in advance
M
x