Alzheimers Day

  As a Caregiver I deal with Alzheimer everyday.
There are 7 stages of Alzheimer disease and my Mom is at stage 5 to 6. That is the point where she can't recognize us and can't recall what you said to her one minute ago. She needs constant attention. Every afternoon at about 4pm she experiences what they call "sundowners syndrome" where she tries to leave. She wants to go home, but doesn't know where home is. She and Dad moved in with me last December. Now I wish we had made the move earlier as she would have been likely to adjust better before the disease progressed so far. Although when I think back she was doing the I want to go home bit when living in their Sun City home which they had been in for over ten years. So the "I want to go home" situation would probably have happened anywhere she was living, not just here.
Caregivers know it is a full time job between waking, dressing, meals, meds, therapy, managing stress, and coping with the anxiety. The patient knows they are losing their memory and grieve daily. It's harder than caring for an infant because they can walk and get into things and have such strong emotions. And in my case it's also hard because it's my mother.
Some of the tools that have been most useful include:
1. My sister is close by and comes to help ease the stress. All of the family has been wonderful at spending time with Mom. The most valuable thing they do is sit and talk to her. Talking about the family and the past are most soothing.
2. A picture book of family and homes in chronological order. It provides reminders of where we have lived and who is who in the family. We especially like watching the children as they grew each year in the family pictures. Most important are the pictures of my Dad as he matured. She has a hard time accepting the old man she sees everyday is her husband.
3. Family birthday and anniversary celebrations. Marking occasions with a gathering (not too big) and pictures. Never before have photo albums been viewed so often.

I wish Mom had a hobby she would enjoy but nothing seems to interest her. Folding laundry is her favorite pass time. Sometimes I get her to peel potatoes or carrots but her hands are so weak and arthritic it is hard for her to do that anymore.

There are several websites and blogs that offer advice that has been helpful. And Mom's doctor has been very supportive. If you have any good ideas let me know! email lasharpe@cox.net