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This Week's Carenote - 03/05/09
I am taking care of
my 80 year old father who has early
stage Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
He hardly speaks, only when you ask
him something and even then it's
like pulling teeth. He sleeps a lot and
eats with his eyes closed most of
the time. It becomes very difficult
most days to deal with him.
I have to bathe and dress him, but
he can feed himself, sometimes. He
attends adult day
care, reluctantly.
How can I get him
to communicate and get more out of
life? Is he supposed to be that
tired all the time or is he just
having a hard time dealing with his
issues??
Reply to Letter | View Comments
| Past Carenotes | Discussion Forum
Name: Donna Calm Spirit Spector
Location: Wildwood, Mo
Date: 03/05/2009
Time: 08:16 PM
CommentsIn a situation like this I would first make an appointment with your Father's Medical Doctors (at least his Neurologist and Internist). Once you have ruled out other possible causes such as bladder infections, depression etc.. then you can work on ways to communicate. Keep in mind that some depression and reluctancy is expected with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. All the more reason to get involved in a local support group and make sure you are taking care of yourself to increase your ability to have the patience and kindness you will need for the journey ahead.
Keep in mind what your Father did for his career and things he enjoyed when he was able. Try to bring these things into the conversations and maybe items or enlarged pictures of things he would like to talk about. Try to not get discouraged with the way he is now by comparing him to a younger, stronger and healthier Dad. It is easy to feel like a burden so try to find things that he can help with and feel good about while he still can. Don't forget you!
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