When you care
I’d like to tell you of my life having to look after someone with Dementia that someone being my old dad of 83 years.
It can be difficult at times, as every day I see him there is always something new; like today I went to get something out of his freezer and found it full of washing and then you have to look to see where he put all the food only to discover it in cupboards, drawers, and even the shower.
It is one of the hardest things in life to watch your parent wandering about confused most of the time, I’m trying to keep my dad in his own home for as long as I can, as the last thing I want is him having to go into full time care. Reality tells me the time is coming soon as my own health is now starting to suffer with all the stress. Anyone reading this who has been in my situation will understand how I feel. I have lots of emotions like I’m letting him down, I hate leaving him all by himself but I know I have my own life as well and my family and husband to think about, but it is so hard at times.
I just hope that some of you reading this will not have to have this in their lives with their parents, but if you do, all you have to do is be understanding with them, and have patience and most of all lots of Love.
Written By: Sandra Wood
Sandra Wood
Latest posts by Sandra Wood (see all)
- When you care - January 31, 2013
- The day my world collapsed - December 7, 2012
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Sandra
Sandra x
It is never easy watching someone you love loose themselves with dementia. I hope that you have outside support because caring for someone with dementia - as you have identified - takes its toll on the health of the carer as well.
There are many lovely care homes which you may need to explore. Finding a good care home for your Dad is not a failure on your part in any way; your immediate family also needs you and you cannot continue to be pulled in two as you are now.
I used to run residential homes and many produce a service more found in a 5 star hotel. A lot of the decisions that your Dad can't cope with and which will only increase his stress levels and affect his short term memory will be taken away from him.
However, I would also state that other conditions and medication can severely impact memory - statins are one of them and perhaps his medication and other conditions, if any, need to be reviewed.
I don't know if our website will help - there is some of the latest research on dementia - our charity seeks to help people and their families living with neuro degenerative disorders. There is a useful section on medium chain triglycerides which have been found to improve memory in people with dementia - you can find us on http://honleyliving.weebly.com.
If I can be of any further help then please don't hesitate to contact me.
Kind regards
Lynne Noble ( Chair of Directors, Kingdom Living)