My mom was pretty laid back today. It's dinner time and she ate her dinner in her pajamas. I was able to I get out to the gym thanks to my son who stopped by. Working out and getting out help me release some stress that I put on myself. I have decided that we (her and I) go to the Senior Center for game night each week. I read on someone else's blog that if the senior rejects the Senior Center to keep taking her. My hope is that she will eventually grow to like the center, especially game night. She enjoys cards, the pool table and even ping pong. Eventually I hope I can just drop her off and feel comfortable that she actually stays there. The doctor says she needs people, she needs to engage with other people other than always her family.
One of my biggest stress has been her finances. The doctor told me today that she shouldn't have the card. She is a shopaholic. Seriously so that she pays no attention to her account and the fact we need her income is order for me to stay home with her. She also will leave the house by herself to go buy something and end up getting lost. Seriously she has been brought home by the police, the fire department or security officers several times. I am fortunate that I don't have to worry about night wandering from home at this time. However if we are on vacation somewhere and her little dog is with us, she will sneak out with the dog and get lost. In the middle of the night she will be rescued by security guards, God bless them. Also I have learned that an average citizen doesn't hesistate to assist a confused elderly woman. We are greatful to them and need to come up with a plan the next time we decide to get away with her. Some sort clever lock and only my husband and I know the combination.
To medicate or not to medicate.
I fully beleieve that aricept and nanmeda have slowed down the decline of her memory. Some days she surprises me. She still remembers her family's names, however her judgement for her safety and well being is very limited. It's tricky and I hate the responsiblity of having to make these decisions. Guilt or feeling I am not doing enough is always on my mind. I need to be mindful of isolating myself. I started this log to share my experience of a famiy member caring for his or her parent. I hope you find me, I know you are out there. Not all seniors are in the mid stages of Alzheimer, some are in the early stages and some are in late stages. I can't do this alone, I need family support and of course my community. It's time for mom and I to step out and meet the people in our community. Make a connection with others, Senior Center here we come.
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