this is what i observed as a trend in mum's behaviour...
in the morning, she would wake up about 4-5am. make her own milo and take her medication. by the time i wake up about 7.30-8am, i always notice she would always behave in a very weird manner. either she would throw tantrums, have emotional swings, etc. or the very least, give me black face.
in the day, she would be in the world of her own when she is in the house. often, she would take out her rosary and chant. or else, she would phone my siblings almost non-stop (much to their displeasure). otherwise, when she is in the rehabilitation center, she would be mentally engaged and things will be ok.
in the late afternoon, she would be generally ok. quite normal. her usual routine of bathing, self-grooming, etc kicks in.
in the evening, she would generally become normal.
and i would keep her evening routine as lengthy as possible so as to tire her out mentally before i administer her her medication at about 9.30/ 10pm. after that, she would sleep.
from this trend, i think there is a need to review her morning doses of her medication...
from this trend, i think there is a need to review her morning doses of her medication...
2 comments:
i know this is hard, but it may be best to let her be...
when old folks get alzheimer's or dementia, they sort of regress to returning to a child-like state
and just like really young children, they cannot be reasoned
you cant tell them to eat regularly for their own health, just as you cant tell kids to eat their vegetables so they grwo up healthy or strong
people with dementia, just like kids, will only be motivated by immediate rewards and not some far-off reasoning
for kids, you can say: finish your carrots and you can have a slice of cake for dessert... this may work for some senile adults too
guess the most important thing is to not get upset...this is the hard bit though
caring for a parent that seems to have taken leave of her senses is mired by your own personal feelings
on the one hands, she is totally uncooperative and on the other hand, you want to do the right thing by her
mixed in with the anger of her uncooperative-ness is your own guilt, fear and longing for the better days before
just try not to get too upset, human as you are. try to spread the load if you can. get your siblings to take care of her for a short while, even if its just one day or one outing a month
this way, you have a short respite and your siblings will have a better appreciation of what you go through every day
as for your mother, just let her be... and next time you have to clean up her pee for the upteenth time, think to yourself you owe me big time for this'
chin up :)
thank you so much for the post river.
sincerely appreciate it. i have just completed my reflections for the year and moving ahead, i have reconciled with the fact that i need to reframe my thoughts with regards my mum and what you wrote totally resonate.
thanks river!
Post a Comment