There have been some interesting developments this week on a couple of fronts.  I now contact carers by text to suggest their daily focus.  This prevents us having to catch up by whisper or sign language when they arrive.  I have already texted Chloe this morning to advise her of Maureen’s concern about today’s funeral.  If I felt Chloe or Gail needed a little more information on how Maureen has been since their last visit I can always forward extracts from my blog. The other interesting development in the last week has been playing Maureen records that remind her of younger days.

The music idea came from another helpful conversation with Yvonna at Lloyd’s Pharmacy.  She mentioned an experiment where music had been used to transform the behaviour of people with significant disabilities.  Maureen seems to be transformed back to her youth when she sings along to Nat King Cole or Frank Sinatra.  Her recollection of those old favourites is remarkable, and I can almost see her dancing around her parents’ front room as she listened to this music as a teenager.

The other benefit of rejuvenating Maureen’s interest in ‘raves from the grave’ is a new found hobby for me.  I have had great fun trawling Charity Shops for old records.  Finding hidden gems at 50 p gives great pleasure.  It’s amazing what some folk donate, and we are the beneficiaries of their generosity.

Sunday morning was been an eye opener on Maureen’s functional capacity.  Her struggle to put out the washing gave an insight on her ability to carry out one of her favourite tasks.  When a neighbour called in I was surprised she offered to make him a drink.  Unfortunately, she served him a cup of coffee that was stone cold.   A little later in the morning I caught her just before she poured boiling water onto a cup containing fenugreek seeds rather than coffee.  

There is little doubt that I need to be extremely vigilant as Maureen’s dementia continues to progress. I need to prompt her more than ever on how to carry out basic tasks.  Routines and regimentation now need to become an integral part of our lives.     We have made a good start on this front by having a music slot on most evenings.  It has also given us a lovely end to the day.  However, Maureen’s presentation is so changeable at the moment that I couldn’t predict that this new found interest will stay the distance of another week.

Footnote: The really good news – I’ve perfected the art of joining Maureen for siestas.