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Introductions: Are you caring for someone with dementia?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Mar 17 6:30pm | Replies (762)Comment receiving replies
Hello @janet7 Just wanted to add a couple of observations based on my experiences with my wife. First, for years, she craved and needed her routine. Her days were identical for her and that was one of the only ways she came anywhere close to controlling her anxiety. I believe her routine was the only thing that gave her any sense of control in a life that was totally out of her control due to her disease.
Second, one of the things I learned while working for the National Alzheimers and Related Diseases organization, was that any change in a person with dementia's life can cause a noticeable downward change in their abilities. I just say this to perhaps prepare you for this possible outcome with your big change coming.
I'd also add the comment, just from my review of literature and studies, that while exercise is a good thing, there is no proof it has any actual positive impacts on the rate of decline in people with dementia or alleviates their disease.
Strength, Courage, & Peace
Replies to "Hello @janet7 Just wanted to add a couple of observations based on my experiences with my..."
Thanks Scott, I'm new to this and looking through posts has helped me to remember things that were said to me to help me care for my husband. He can turn from the man I knew for 0ver 68 years to an angry person that I cannot reason with and then he gets calm and loving. So many things I need help with. He doesn't want to socialize , take walks-just if more content to stay at home. He is almost blind, has cancer and prostate problems.
Your reminder of the impact of change was helpful. As we look into moving to a CCRC (Continuing Care Residential Communities) the changes are especially noticeable. There seems to be a short window of time between “it’s okay” and resistance. Thank you for sharing.
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After 25 years in one house, we had to move for I could not manage climbing all the stairs anymore. I hired realtors, sorted all our accumulated stuff to give away or throw out, and looked for a place to move to without stairs. My husband had mild dementia, ad was of no help. In fact he fought me about moving. I had to do everything alone.
Anyway, during the moving process and afterwards in the new place, his condition became much worse. He is now close to the moderate stage of dementia. We are here now three years, and he is adjusted to living here. I just want to warn everyone living with a spouse with dementia that big changes, like moving, will make your person’s condition worse.