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What strategies help you cope with behavioral changes in loved one?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Aug 25, 2022 | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
You just said a mouthful! It is so easy for me to argue with him because he can get very mean and almost to the point of being combative
Instead of insisting he make a right hand turn at the stoplight, I should not say anything and let him make the wrong turn and help him figure out what happened (if he asks for help). He is very sensitive about his Dementia and is always losing things. He lost thousands of dollars in cash somewhere in our apartment, and haven’t found it after 3 days of hunting. I should have put the cash in our bank right away. My fault too!
So much to learn about Dementia and how it affects everyone he comes in contact with, in person or on the phone.
I am getting a social worker to help us on this journey. I admit we need help.
Replies to "You just said a mouthful! It is so easy for me to argue with him because..."
Bill got so angry constantly. Demanded to drive (no way!) Decided he would divorce me if I didn't give in to all his demands. No way he could take care of himself at age 89 and no memory of how to work micro, stove, coffee pot, etc. His doctors put him on medication and oh what a wonderful difference it has made. For both of us as now he is enjoying his movies.
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Hi @janet7, Everyone's dementia is so different. My husband was happy to give up driving, managing our finances, and handing home maintenance projects over to me. He has no attachment to things he used to treasure and is willing to part with most things. The only thing that he still cares about is how the Dow Jones closes everyday. he's constantly checking his memory by asking questions about our previous addresses, people's names, my former employers, etc. He's taken a shine to the neighborhood dog, Lucy, and when we take our daily walk he looks forward to seeing her. He's expressed wanting to take her home, but she has issues and won't leave her safe place.
I think contact with the social worker is a good idea. Our HMO has a geriatric medical social worker on staff who checks in once and a while and is available to assist with issues when needed.
After giving the physical therapist a very hard time about stretching, my husband is now doing the stretches regularly as they help him to walk without his cane. I notice, though, he does not like taking orders from other men.