This infection is now becoming worrying.
I have an afternoon appointment at G P Out of Hours.
It is a possible that I have a chest infection.
‘Girl Saturday’ will tend to Maureen.
I’m told she is an experienced carer.
All posts by It's My Time Now
Dementia: Purifying Our Mind
I put on YouTube this morning and there was Dekyong sharing wisdom:
I have found this teaching inspiring at a very challenging time in our lives.
Dementia: Always On My Mind
I have been advised to take Special Measures to attempt to minimise Maureen’s distress until a Best Interest Meeting at 10.30am on Friday. This is because when we leave the house she is totally disorientated on our return. Yesterday was a repeat of the previous day when she became very hostile and aggressive following a short car trip to the shops.
There is 24-hour telephone coaching available whenever I need support. Two of my neighbours are on red alert if I need immediate help. I am also reassured that this Blog gives me access to support from far and wide.
I have alerted Ashgrove Care Home to the possibility of emergency admission.
Professional advice is to try to keep things simple for the coming week. Unfortunately, there is a new Carer on the block today and tomorrow; thankfully familiar faces for the remainder of the week.
My current infection may be my salvation as I won’t feel well enough to go too far. This may focus ‘Nurse Maureen’s’ attention on keeping me well. It matters not that she sometimes calls me dad, grandad or an old work colleague. Even with dementia generally calling the shots, she is still that nurturing loving person I have been privileged to live with, and love, for 25 years.
Footnote: Normal blogging will be resumed as soon as possible.
Dementia: The Goal Posts Have Shifted
Maureen’s dementia has changed its approach: playing a high press.
I need to revise my tactics at a time I’m short of fit players.
There were moments yesterday when I was totally outplayed.
I didn’t hear or understand my coaches’ message.
Thankfully, my Key Worker is back today.
The opposition is resting peacefully.
I’ve not had enough decent sleep.
A sinus infection is developing.
Have to blow rather gently.
Must breathe very slowly.
Play for time.
Be patient.
Smile.
Dementia: Assessment Needed
There is a fundamental change in Maureen’s presentation and assessment is needed.
My priority is to minimise distress and thankfully she recognises my voice.
I still have this dreadful infection and am singing in a croaky voice.
Thank goodness for paracetamol honey and lemon juice.
Back to hand holding and waiting for the return call.
Over and out!
Dementia: Would Less Be More?
We had a great day yesterday with lots of laughter, song and rest. Maureen was very busy making a helpful contribution throughout the day to all sorts of things. The only thing that was missing yesterday was a carer: Girl Tuesday had been mistakenly cancelled.
It is well known that dementia that is predominantly vascular is a roller coaster of a ride; perhaps the Big Dipper. There is no alternative but to enjoy the good times and roll with the challenging moments. The danger, of course, is to think you have ever turned a corner and to accept that misused phrase: ‘that things can only get better’. However, I’m still left wondering if a reduction in the number of carer sits might be productive as Maureen feels their visits are an intrusion on our closeness.
The only problem in this dilemma is after a bad night I’m counting the hours until 10 am when there will be someone else in the house. When the ‘happy couple’ has had a good night together it is a different story: we both are, and always have been, happy in our own company. In fact, we both agree we don’t really need anyone else.
Dementia: A Blessing In Disguise
When our carer didn’t show this morning I phoned up the Agency to see why she was late. Then I put on my reading glasses and saw the red asterisk on the schedule. Had I been a little more vigilant I would have taken action earlier and Girl Tuesday would have been here. However, this is not a mistake I have paid for – quite the opposite as we have had a lovely morning together: singing to Youtube followed by a long siesta.
One of the facets of Maureen’s condition is fluctuation in her presentation. Last night we slept well together with Nurse Maureen wanting to tend to her poorly husband. This morning I have struggled to keep up with her dialogue: never quite sure if she was talking about the past, present, or future. One minute she is talking to me as her husband the next he is the subject of her discussion: I’m pleased to hear that she generally speaks well of him.
We are both still reeling from this flu-like infection. Although I’m not pleased about feeling rough I’m reassured that it is likely to be behind Maureen’s time travelling and increased level of confusion.
Moral Dissonance
Straight talk as always from George Rook.
We invest in cancer care because it’s the right thing to do, and because an added qualy year of life is worth £30,000.
But we’ll only invest in dementia care if we can prove savings as a result, regardless of quality of life.
This is Moral Dissonance.
Cancer.
14 days to see a specialist.
31 days to diagnosis.
62 days to treatment.
Near enough anyway, and admirable.
When I was told I had what looked like kidney cancer I wanted to know quickly.
They said it was highly likely to be slow growing and non-aggressive, and they would recommend monitoring it rather than going through the trauma of nephrectomy.
But I wanted it out. At 64 and with other diseases I didn’t want to risk having a serious operation later when I would be less well than now.
And it turned out to be aggressive.
Oops.
If I have colon…
View original post 691 more words
Dementia: Frank and Meaningful Talks
Our Best Interest Discussion went well yesterday and I’m going to request that the meeting is reconvened today to explore some further thinking on my behalf.
Dementia:Getting Out Of My Sick Bed
I have chosen to get out of my sick bed to attend today’s Best Interest Discussion.
Yesterday, I was informed that the meeting would go ahead even if I wasn’t there.
Today, it’s a different story and the meeting could be rearranged.
However, procrastination is the thief of time and there are plans to be made.
Once Maureen has recovered from her infection she needs to move into Residential Care.
Just to be on the safe side I have asked an advocate to accompany me at the meeting.
Neuropathy Nightmare 