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Alzheimers: When should someone not be left alone?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Jun 26, 2019 | Replies (48)Comment receiving replies
Hi @suerc One of the hard parts of any chronic disease is the unknown. I know in my wife's case as she journeyed through her war there was no map, no hard and fast rules (other than when she failed her driver's test), my caregiving, and much more.
Again, in my wife's case they told us she might be lucky to live with her condition for 7 years and fought for more than double that. Same when she entered home hospice they said possibly six weeks and she was in that for over 14 months. We just never know in many such situations.
It is only my opinion, but on the animal care I'd say the moment you believe it is any kind of burden or difficulty for him, I'd quit.
I also guess, again just my opinion, that his wife will have to make the judgement call of when she should get him more care that what she can, or is, giving.
Nice to know you, as a neighbor, have a watchful eye out for his wellbeing.
What kind of pets do you have? I'm a dog guy myself 🙂
Replies to "Hi @suerc One of the hard parts of any chronic disease is the unknown. I know..."
@IndianaScott @suerc It seems that medical conditions have such a wide variance. My mother passed in 1996 from a combination of Alzheimer's and Dementia. She went 10 years with increasing symptoms, but as we look back we saw some signs of it prior to that, we didn't know what we were observing. My father kept her at home the entire time and it was not easy for him. He went for a walk each morning before she woke up. He did not have any respite care, not sure if that was his decision. I do know that her symptoms varied quite a bit. She was typical of many patients in that she interacted very well with animals, but would not with people. When the visiting nurse would come that gal always brought her German Shepherd dog and my mother would interact with the dog but not with the nurse! May you find strength knowing we are here to listen, offer support and a sounding board.
Ginger
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Thank you for your response it helps alot. We have a border collie / pit she is the sweetest thing. And then my son needed someone to take there choc lab for awhile while they move however we have had her awhile and it looks like it's easier for us to keep her as they have a 3 yr old that is not very nice to her and a 1 yr old. I think the 3 yr old has been very jealous for a yr that she does not get all the attention any more. But gabby is happier here. We also have a cat Teddy. Busy house