Hi Julie,
Thank You for responding, It sounds like you definetly understand the dementia situation. It is like chanting in a way. I guess, it's just so strange to me how at some times she seems like she's as cognitive as anyone else, when things are going on that is. I normally notice this chanting when shes sitting alone or riding in the car mainly. She complains of being lonely ,even though there is something going on here most all of the time. My Mom, her Sister comes and plays cards with her alot. However, as soon as she leaves, or after I take her for an outing and we return home, she falls right back into the negative, complaining and feelings of loneliness. In the last five years, we've moved her from So. Georgia, all of our home state,here to Tennessee where we were transferred almost 7 years ago. When I first got her here we moved her into an assisted living. She stayed a couple of months and wanted to return back to her home in Ga. We took her one weekend, she had a mental breakdown as soon as we walked back into the house, and ended up in the hospital for a week. Of course, after that we brought her back, to the Assisted living again. She stayed there about two years, was'nt happy, with her room, moved rooms after a year. Still was'nt happy. We then moved her to a new Assisted Living, she moved twice in the two years she was in that one. Finally after she continued saying she wanted to be with family, we decided to move into a private residence with her. We sold our home. After everything we've been through, I thought this would be the answer for us all. Before, I was trying to work and stay over there, do Dr's appts. for her and my Mom and was ragged. So in a lot of ways this was a better move for us all. Only ,she still says she's lonely like she said she was at the assisted livings, though she keeps saying she needs to be around people. When she was, she would'nt participate in any activities or reach out to make friends very well. She has made several comments to my Mom, that if it was'nt for her dog, she would go back to the last facility she was in. Boy!!!!! Does that make my head spin, just thinking about it makes me dizzy.........I want to do the right thing for everyone involved. My Mom feels this remark is just some of her idle talk and just part of the fact that she will never be happy anywhere. I have'nt planned on another move, unless, she gets to the point where we can no longer care for her properly................As far as the dog goes, I do appreciate your advice also. I discussed that idea with my husband, he too, says that, that would probably be the best thing, to talk with the vet about putting her down. It's very sad, but in my heart I do feel that it's the best for all. It's just hard to make that decision without alot of thought, and without the imput of others. You know as well as I do, as a caregiver you can get so exhausted sometimes you don't feel that you are thinking straight. You really helped me to gain a little more perspective on my situations. Thank you so much.
As far as your parents go, Is your Mother in good health? I know you said your Father is in early stage dementia. Does he seem pretty cognitive alot of the time too? ............................Hope to hear from you again soon, .....................Once again, I'm very grateful to you for lending an ear and your heart!
Melissa
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