Dad has now been at the Pine Ridge Care Center for over a month now and is beginning to adjust to a new routine, which can be very difficult for dementia patients. Shelley and I try to visit Dad three to four times a week and Tabitha does the same depending on her schedule.
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| Dad & Shelley during one of our visits. |
When we visit, we make it a point to go around different meal times to help him make the most of his dining experience. When his food is brought to him, the dishes, cups, and glasses are covered to keep the contents warm. However, Dad is at a point in his dementia progression where he will not uncover his food automatically. He is not always sure how to lift a cover to get to his food so he'll skip a meal. Sometimes he is even confused about when to use a fork versus a spoon. So, when we are there we make sure all his food is uncovered and, if necessary, we cut his food into bite-size pieces. (We continually provide "feedback" to the staff so they can help him at the times when we are not there.)
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| He eventually ate everything and he has had a shave since this photo. |
Yesterday, Saturday evening, we visited Dad along with Bruce and Bonnie. Dad was very happy to see us all, and he gets very emotional and weeps often.
During past visits with Dad we've called his brother Joe and his daughter Joyce so he could speak to them for a few minutes. Let me know if any of you would like to make similar arrangements.
Dad's latest story that he repeats quite often to all his fellow residents and care-givers, is about the courtyard slab (floor). As most of you know, Dad is a retired cement mason. So whenever he has the opportunity he will tell others how he finished the courtyard slab. He says it took him about a day to finished with no help. Most people play along and others just give him a quizzical look. Here's a photo of Dad pointing to "his work."
Well that's my update for May. I'll post another in June when Dad reaches 83.
that's the way my dad was at 91 and at 92 he would begin to fall down and couldn't get up and then he just did not want to eat period. Now that I went through it all I realize it was the way mother nature calls us all. I think back and wish i had cut his food into little pieces like you but my sisters did that.
ReplyDeleteWe have only one Dad right now between the two of us. I am glad that I can be there with you to share these "moments" with him. We must remember that even though these visits may seem boring and a repetition to Dad they are the only thing he has for that day. He only lives in the moment. He will not remember if we came or what days we were there or how long we stayed. He won't remember if he laughed or cried. But we will and this is a small thing we can do for our Dad at this time in his life and ours. We will work to make these "moments" as happy as possible for him and this will make our life happy and fulfilling.
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