Who would believe it. that's the words said very calmly by Mac as the hair-dresser washed his hair!!!! When I tried having him do this last month it was a disaster, he yelled -even though she took such pains with cape, etc... water was everywhere and he hated the whole scene
Today I didn't even think about his hair, I was going to get my hair washed and cut, so on the way to the hair dresser (who by the way, has her salon downstairs in our building) I mentioned to Mac that it wouldn't take long, just a wash and cut. So he sat in a chair and watched as I was having my hair washed..then when I got up with a towel around my head, somehow it seemed the right time, I said "hey you should get your hair washed it only takes a minute, and it feels so good", the hairdresser and I both did a doubletake..when he answered "okay".
He sat down, no special stuff, just what I had - he put his head back, I held his hand which he kind of clutched..and after two shampoos, and lots of rinsing..he even let her blow dry his hair!!! (will wonders never cease).
She asked if he wanted a cut - just a trim..answer a decisive no..but anyway, he looks amazing, his hair is super clean, and when I said - you look so handsome, and doesn't it feel good, he just smiled and said, are you ready..."I know, and it feels good.
AS far as a haircut goes I prefer him to have his barber - as I've mentioned he has done the job for years and is a friend, so if Mac continues to let the hairdresser wash his hair..my troubles in this regard are over..but never say anything positively, the word here is IF and it's a big IF. The next big hurdle would be to let the preposee get him ready for bed without a struggle, but again can't see it happening, but "one little miracle at a time"
Another little miracle would be if I could walk by the lake - without crying- wishing he was with me I have a very hard time as every place here was new to both of us and I am so missing his presence when I go for a walk, or even to the stores..but walking outside seems to be too dangerous for him; perhaps a wheelchair in spring
Today was thinking about trying to be more positive - decided I must try to go for a walk by the lake- so I did. I came across an Art Exhibit I hadn't heard about ..right by the lake and surprise a beautiful little oil painting of sundown on the lake people walking on the path - and there under the tree in the shade two figures - Mac and I...I bought the painting. Maybe as a twosome, we never will walk there again but the painting will bring back the beautiful sundowns we experienced and loved. Well that did it, now the tears are back, I must go to bed, g'nite.
Saturday 29 November 2014
Thursday 27 November 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014 I'll punch it........
Exercise class this morning, Carol, our animator was explaining how to turn our heads slowly to the right and to the left...I said to Mac, see just kind of do what I'm doing, see I'm sticking my chin out...and he answered - o.k. and I'll just punch it. Well that sent me into a kind hysterical laughter. when I explained to Carol, she said, "he sure still has his sense of humour" he most certainly does.
This, though is up and down just like his health, his eating, and understanding of others. His former caregiver and her boyfriend were visiting today, I'm sure they wished he would remember them but again this is something that even the people that work with him every day wish for - but it's not going to happen. Every nigh Abedul, the preposee who works with Walter, getting him ready for bed; stops when he comes into their room - shakes hands with Mac saying, do you remember my name - so many times I've said, really Mac does not remember names and it's rather frustrating for him to try. But he persists on saying his name, then adding I'm your friend. I think this is really nice of him, but it's just not in the cards.
I can think of two people a man whose wife has the big A and a woman whose husband has it, and both these people are devastated that their spouses do not remember them - so to speak. Both have cut down their visiting times to two or three times a week, finding it rather pointless to visit when the spouses in question do not recognize them. This is really sad, I can see so often how lonely and pathetic are the patients on the second floor. How they reach out for me as I go with Mac, how they wave and want me to stay with them. They do not know my name, , they just need someone to care for them. Even, the three women who roam the floor in their wheelchairs, are always looking for someone - and as I pass they reach out for me - one in particular is the one who followed us into the elevator. In fact she did it again today, this time Mac's former caregiver Helen, tried to push her out of the elevator, I managed it. Poor Helen thought she was responsible for her coming on the elevator as she waved to the woman. Actually she always follows Mac wherever he goes.
If I do not tell Mac to stay in his seat when I leave, he will wander around looking for me. The nurse says she tells him you can walk around, but sit down and take a rest too. When I come in he always says where were you I was looking for you. So, must remember to tell him keep in your chair, I will be back much later, so rest awhile and we will go for a walk later. Will check that out tomorrow as I have to go for a short time to the shopping center. It makes me nervous to think that he will be walking around looking for me and could possibly fall, especially with "yella yella, chasing him in her wheelchair. He is still not all that stable when he walks.
It is also apparent that he is having more difficulty expressing himself, he wants to say so much and kind of gets it garbled. Again, though I have to remember that things change from day to day. Right now his appetite is great, eating well, and seemingly quite content, joking in his own way as in when he gets up I give him my two hands, so when he is finally standing there holding my two hands he says - wanna dance, and starts boogying. He did this with a couple of the preposees who were so excited, I guess they passed the word on, so tonight one of the preposees said, Will you dance with me now. He looked so surprised...of course he can't remember that he danced with anyone, and so it goes. Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see what happens then. For sure though I'm not going to stick my chin out. ha.
This, though is up and down just like his health, his eating, and understanding of others. His former caregiver and her boyfriend were visiting today, I'm sure they wished he would remember them but again this is something that even the people that work with him every day wish for - but it's not going to happen. Every nigh Abedul, the preposee who works with Walter, getting him ready for bed; stops when he comes into their room - shakes hands with Mac saying, do you remember my name - so many times I've said, really Mac does not remember names and it's rather frustrating for him to try. But he persists on saying his name, then adding I'm your friend. I think this is really nice of him, but it's just not in the cards.
I can think of two people a man whose wife has the big A and a woman whose husband has it, and both these people are devastated that their spouses do not remember them - so to speak. Both have cut down their visiting times to two or three times a week, finding it rather pointless to visit when the spouses in question do not recognize them. This is really sad, I can see so often how lonely and pathetic are the patients on the second floor. How they reach out for me as I go with Mac, how they wave and want me to stay with them. They do not know my name, , they just need someone to care for them. Even, the three women who roam the floor in their wheelchairs, are always looking for someone - and as I pass they reach out for me - one in particular is the one who followed us into the elevator. In fact she did it again today, this time Mac's former caregiver Helen, tried to push her out of the elevator, I managed it. Poor Helen thought she was responsible for her coming on the elevator as she waved to the woman. Actually she always follows Mac wherever he goes.
If I do not tell Mac to stay in his seat when I leave, he will wander around looking for me. The nurse says she tells him you can walk around, but sit down and take a rest too. When I come in he always says where were you I was looking for you. So, must remember to tell him keep in your chair, I will be back much later, so rest awhile and we will go for a walk later. Will check that out tomorrow as I have to go for a short time to the shopping center. It makes me nervous to think that he will be walking around looking for me and could possibly fall, especially with "yella yella, chasing him in her wheelchair. He is still not all that stable when he walks.
It is also apparent that he is having more difficulty expressing himself, he wants to say so much and kind of gets it garbled. Again, though I have to remember that things change from day to day. Right now his appetite is great, eating well, and seemingly quite content, joking in his own way as in when he gets up I give him my two hands, so when he is finally standing there holding my two hands he says - wanna dance, and starts boogying. He did this with a couple of the preposees who were so excited, I guess they passed the word on, so tonight one of the preposees said, Will you dance with me now. He looked so surprised...of course he can't remember that he danced with anyone, and so it goes. Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see what happens then. For sure though I'm not going to stick my chin out. ha.
Friday 21 November 2014
Friday, November 21, 2014 Hey - what the hell....
Well we did I!!! Mac got his hair washed this morning, my cousin suggested I put sheets or towels all around, on the floor. Well that is what I did before and did again, as well as plastic bags..BUT, the difference is this time I put the plastic garbage bag as a cape - made a hole in the bag and put over his head, last time I just put the bag around his neck. I also made a better plastic bag tucked into his plastic bib around him which allowed the water to go down into the sink. He cannot put his head back and down, so with warm water pouring all over the place from faceclothes - since I can't get a little hose with a spray..poor Mac was saying (not yelling) Hey!!! What the hell, " I would quickly put a dry facecloth over his face, kind of muffling his cries of hey hey. WEll it's not so great, and I didn't bring his hair dryer here, so it was drying his hair with towels, another hey hey and at last a hey nonny no and we were finished.ha.
It's been a kind of trying couple of days, especially yesterday, I was bringing Mac up on the elevator, I have probably mentioned the little lady who goes zooming around in her wheelchair saying "yella yella", apparently Arabic for - let's go or come-on - and other times its venez venez, well she always follows us when we walk or is at Mac's knees when he sits. Which is nerve-wracking as she can hurt him or make him fall when he walk so there I was protecting him and kind of shoving her away yesterday as we got on the elevator, normally she backs off at the elevator but this time she ploughed right in pushing me trying to push her and in the ensuing noise of her yelling and pushing was poor Mac yelling from the floor of the elevator, he had fallen. Luckily it was one of those falls where he kind of just sinks down and then goes flat on his back...I managed to push her out, had pushed the button and there we were going up with Mac on the floor.Managed to push two and go back down and yell for the preposees, surprise, they were right there, I guess they had heard all the commotion and the nurse was there as well. When we got Mac out, the nurse took his blood pressure and all was o.k. What an experience.
This morning, unlike yesterday morning, Mac was calling his breakfast (down there) a load of crap. Poor Marie the Nurse was upset, it's funny they are always so thrilled if he eats, and so down and looking cross, if he doesn't. I said I'd bring him up for coffee and fruit..but on the way he said he needed the bathroom..(ha, that's the problem - I thought)...So took him to the toilet off his room there. Then I thought, well I'm here I'll get the preposee to change him, daytime I have been doing it all along...well the preposee was there with the breakfast dishes on a dolly thing to take down stairs. when I told her Mac was on the toilet and needed help she said, I have to take the dishes down - I'll be back.I said I think the people here come before the dishes, but she left...By the time she came back I had almost finished changing and cleaning him up - "Look she said - see I'm back it didn't take me long. " I said it didn't take me long either but I do this all the time, this is the first time I've asked for help..(by the way as you can see my French is improving) She said in English (surprise) "I'm really sorry, I know the patient takes priority" and put her arm around me, and silly me - started to cry. But, it's such a pain to always try to understand their problems, as well as my own, it can be such a drag. In the meantime - it's poor Mac who suffers and right now I'm worried about two scratches and two bruises on his arm - although I know his thin skin does this easily it's still a concern.
Anyway, to close on a happier note, the sun is shining - Mac is happily listening to music, nodding his head and moving his feet in time, as his hair dries and I'm on the computer in the daytime...wow...g'bye.
It's been a kind of trying couple of days, especially yesterday, I was bringing Mac up on the elevator, I have probably mentioned the little lady who goes zooming around in her wheelchair saying "yella yella", apparently Arabic for - let's go or come-on - and other times its venez venez, well she always follows us when we walk or is at Mac's knees when he sits. Which is nerve-wracking as she can hurt him or make him fall when he walk so there I was protecting him and kind of shoving her away yesterday as we got on the elevator, normally she backs off at the elevator but this time she ploughed right in pushing me trying to push her and in the ensuing noise of her yelling and pushing was poor Mac yelling from the floor of the elevator, he had fallen. Luckily it was one of those falls where he kind of just sinks down and then goes flat on his back...I managed to push her out, had pushed the button and there we were going up with Mac on the floor.Managed to push two and go back down and yell for the preposees, surprise, they were right there, I guess they had heard all the commotion and the nurse was there as well. When we got Mac out, the nurse took his blood pressure and all was o.k. What an experience.
This morning, unlike yesterday morning, Mac was calling his breakfast (down there) a load of crap. Poor Marie the Nurse was upset, it's funny they are always so thrilled if he eats, and so down and looking cross, if he doesn't. I said I'd bring him up for coffee and fruit..but on the way he said he needed the bathroom..(ha, that's the problem - I thought)...So took him to the toilet off his room there. Then I thought, well I'm here I'll get the preposee to change him, daytime I have been doing it all along...well the preposee was there with the breakfast dishes on a dolly thing to take down stairs. when I told her Mac was on the toilet and needed help she said, I have to take the dishes down - I'll be back.I said I think the people here come before the dishes, but she left...By the time she came back I had almost finished changing and cleaning him up - "Look she said - see I'm back it didn't take me long. " I said it didn't take me long either but I do this all the time, this is the first time I've asked for help..(by the way as you can see my French is improving) She said in English (surprise) "I'm really sorry, I know the patient takes priority" and put her arm around me, and silly me - started to cry. But, it's such a pain to always try to understand their problems, as well as my own, it can be such a drag. In the meantime - it's poor Mac who suffers and right now I'm worried about two scratches and two bruises on his arm - although I know his thin skin does this easily it's still a concern.
Anyway, to close on a happier note, the sun is shining - Mac is happily listening to music, nodding his head and moving his feet in time, as his hair dries and I'm on the computer in the daytime...wow...g'bye.
Tuesday 18 November 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014. " I don't have any money..."
Mac's favourite expression, "I don't have any money" He always feels that he should pay for his supper, lunch or whatever. My answer is always the same, You paid for the meals, and the apartment when we first moved here, a long time ago, so you don't remember. It's o.k. don't worry about it. Well that will last till the next meal, or sometimes not even that long. I used to let him keep his wallet in his pocket, show him his $$$ in the wallet, then go into a little speil about his money, where he has money, how he can see the bank from our window etc etc. Well I've given up on that, it's enough now for him to know that it's all paid for..then he is happy for a time.
Actually the days of trying to show him his bank statement, and his demanding that he see the statements back to when we moved to Lachine, seem to be over, that's a good thing, as it would be a loop that we would go around and around till I was ready to burst a blood vessel. So I am really patient with his minor problems regarding his financial status.
That situation and questions and many others, such as why am I sleeping in this room, where are you going to sleep, whose room is this, why do those people come in this room (re: the preposees to get him ready for bed or up), were almost a mantra every day, but I must say things are getting better (have to watch it here - as we know as soon as I say that the situation goes back). I'm slowly getting both him and myself used to this way of living...I have moved some pictures down to his room, not that he notices, but it makes the room cozy. His radio is on constantly, when we are there of course, music which he and I enjoy.
But, I'm still the one getting him in his night clothes, as he trusts me and I'm gentle with washing him (as a bird bath is all he will take) that .. The only problem now is that the CLSC answered my plea for a hose with a shower end for the kitchen sink so I could wash his hair - I heard they had a special thingie that could go under his back and head ...well they sent it. It turns out to be a huge blow up plastic sink that looks like a float for a swimming pool with an indent for his neck.
I think it's to wash his hair while he is lying in bed. That is a no no I can just picture the frantic waving of his head and hands and water splashing all over the place. I may try the hair dresser again, which was not too successful...or do it with plastic bags all over the place and water on the floor as I wash his hair in the bathroom - he sitting on a chair..or in the kitchen, it's successful although I'm usually soaking wet and completely frustrated. Anyway, Friday is the day, I'm going to do it..I've made up my mind. So we shall see how that works out.
What I have to remember is that every experience is the first one - or practically every experience, especially uncomfortable ones, and also his understanding of the whys and wherefores are always new to him..so patience is the word..and also remembering, he is the one who is suffering - NOT ME.
In the meantime a sadder note - I was walking along the hall from Mac's room a couple of days ago leaving him in bed (he didn't want to get up) so planned to return later; when I saw the preposees and the nurse wheeling a man out of his room in his bed..I recognized him as one of the more "with it" Alzheimer patients, he would always make sure Mac was able to sit - getting up for him. I'd say, non non, sit down it's o.k. always polite, he spent a lot of time talking to one of the women -Helen, who has the big A. as well. I kind of placed him in a category or level of the big A. before Mac's level. Well what a shock, he was dead. He had died in his sleep.
Apparently another one had also died, so the floor now has 19 patients- including Mac. This has made me upset, I can hardly stand it, I know it will happen, but one reads that the various stages can be long...and I'm always assuming that Mac will be in a long stage, and he well may be..but one never knows.
Tonight he is or was very shaky, and very upset as one line never, never leaves his mind especially not at night and that is "My mother must be worried about me. She must be saying where is he." I tell him - not to worry she knows he is with Jan, and that I will try to get her phone number tomorrow and tell her. After saying that several times, he settled down - took his pill from the male nurse (Bassime)let me give him his eye drops, and drifted off to sleep.
So now it's time for me to drift off - so g'nite
Actually the days of trying to show him his bank statement, and his demanding that he see the statements back to when we moved to Lachine, seem to be over, that's a good thing, as it would be a loop that we would go around and around till I was ready to burst a blood vessel. So I am really patient with his minor problems regarding his financial status.
That situation and questions and many others, such as why am I sleeping in this room, where are you going to sleep, whose room is this, why do those people come in this room (re: the preposees to get him ready for bed or up), were almost a mantra every day, but I must say things are getting better (have to watch it here - as we know as soon as I say that the situation goes back). I'm slowly getting both him and myself used to this way of living...I have moved some pictures down to his room, not that he notices, but it makes the room cozy. His radio is on constantly, when we are there of course, music which he and I enjoy.
But, I'm still the one getting him in his night clothes, as he trusts me and I'm gentle with washing him (as a bird bath is all he will take) that .. The only problem now is that the CLSC answered my plea for a hose with a shower end for the kitchen sink so I could wash his hair - I heard they had a special thingie that could go under his back and head ...well they sent it. It turns out to be a huge blow up plastic sink that looks like a float for a swimming pool with an indent for his neck.
I think it's to wash his hair while he is lying in bed. That is a no no I can just picture the frantic waving of his head and hands and water splashing all over the place. I may try the hair dresser again, which was not too successful...or do it with plastic bags all over the place and water on the floor as I wash his hair in the bathroom - he sitting on a chair..or in the kitchen, it's successful although I'm usually soaking wet and completely frustrated. Anyway, Friday is the day, I'm going to do it..I've made up my mind. So we shall see how that works out.
What I have to remember is that every experience is the first one - or practically every experience, especially uncomfortable ones, and also his understanding of the whys and wherefores are always new to him..so patience is the word..and also remembering, he is the one who is suffering - NOT ME.
In the meantime a sadder note - I was walking along the hall from Mac's room a couple of days ago leaving him in bed (he didn't want to get up) so planned to return later; when I saw the preposees and the nurse wheeling a man out of his room in his bed..I recognized him as one of the more "with it" Alzheimer patients, he would always make sure Mac was able to sit - getting up for him. I'd say, non non, sit down it's o.k. always polite, he spent a lot of time talking to one of the women -Helen, who has the big A. as well. I kind of placed him in a category or level of the big A. before Mac's level. Well what a shock, he was dead. He had died in his sleep.
Apparently another one had also died, so the floor now has 19 patients- including Mac. This has made me upset, I can hardly stand it, I know it will happen, but one reads that the various stages can be long...and I'm always assuming that Mac will be in a long stage, and he well may be..but one never knows.
Tonight he is or was very shaky, and very upset as one line never, never leaves his mind especially not at night and that is "My mother must be worried about me. She must be saying where is he." I tell him - not to worry she knows he is with Jan, and that I will try to get her phone number tomorrow and tell her. After saying that several times, he settled down - took his pill from the male nurse (Bassime)let me give him his eye drops, and drifted off to sleep.
So now it's time for me to drift off - so g'nite
Wednesday 12 November 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014... No more thanks..
Mac is trying to walk with his walker, it's not working perfectly at times he thinks he should walk carrying the damn thing. Other times he says hey this is good. Right now I've left it in his room, as he said, "No more thanks" and pushed it away. Same thing with his supper..oh well tomorrow is another day.. We'll just have to keep on trying... if you read on you'll see why the walker...another reader suggested I take him out in a wheelchair, a good idea for someone stronger than me, but I may try...
The following are email answers to questions from friends -
Mac is doing alright, I took him out for a walk today since it was so nice, was careful to walk on a plain solid asphalt path, but somehow he sunk down on the ground, this is the second time he has done that…don’t know what makes him fall like that…he never does it in the building ..so it kind of turns me off thinking about getting him outside, - too bad. Lucky there was a college student coming along, he helped to pick Mac up, Mac was fine , he just kind of sunk down to the ground without any big fall..strange. Other than that he is eating a bit every day…and right now enjoying music on the radio. Will be taking him down to his bedroom on the 2nd floor around 7:30…
I’m not too worried about activities for Mac, he enjoys listening to music, talking about the music, I sing old songs , I dance with him while he sits…We walk around the building, and sit at different locations where he can either look out on trees, look out on busy busy 32nd st. or sit in the lobby and watch all the characters that live here and the normals (?) that come and visit . - Mondays dogs or cats visit …tues is yoga Wed. virtual bowling he watches does not partake Thurs Exercise class with great music, Friday, Music therapy with Richard who has a great voice and plays guitar knows everyone’s name and we both love him. Mac llikes to listens to music on the radio or CDs. Does not like t.v. so that’s out.
Of course I make sure I go out on my own or with friends every day. I have to take care of me so I can take care of him – usually not longer than 2 hours. Though when longer, I have someone come to be with him, even though I can leave him on the 2nd floor I prefer to have him in our apartment , it’s quieter, and more to his liking.
The library is still in process of being built, but looking good, of course they said it would not be finished till 2015 – who knows what month. I’ll be a happy camper with that next door.
Tonight as I was sitting waiting for Mac to fall asleep, he shares a room with a nice guy called Walter, who also has the big A. and very very quiet..good thing…I had the radio on softly playing music from the War days as its rememberance day…anyway, the Andrew Sisters were singing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy..and one of the nursing assistants, she is about 5ft 10 slim tall black girl from Morocco (I think) her name is Cecile, she came rushing in the room and got me up to Boogie, it was really funny, Mac lying in bed with his eyes closed and she and I dancing all around the big room. His room is really large,though he only has the part near the door, but it’s fine for a couple of basket chairs lamp,on end table and bureau……everyone is very very good to us..He gets such special attention j …all the ladies love Mac especially – his eyes get special mention . must go to bed, I’m exhausted, g’nite, xxjan.
The following are email answers to questions from friends -
Mac is doing alright, I took him out for a walk today since it was so nice, was careful to walk on a plain solid asphalt path, but somehow he sunk down on the ground, this is the second time he has done that…don’t know what makes him fall like that…he never does it in the building ..so it kind of turns me off thinking about getting him outside, - too bad. Lucky there was a college student coming along, he helped to pick Mac up, Mac was fine , he just kind of sunk down to the ground without any big fall..strange. Other than that he is eating a bit every day…and right now enjoying music on the radio. Will be taking him down to his bedroom on the 2nd floor around 7:30…
I’m not too worried about activities for Mac, he enjoys listening to music, talking about the music, I sing old songs , I dance with him while he sits…We walk around the building, and sit at different locations where he can either look out on trees, look out on busy busy 32nd st. or sit in the lobby and watch all the characters that live here and the normals (?) that come and visit . - Mondays dogs or cats visit …tues is yoga Wed. virtual bowling he watches does not partake Thurs Exercise class with great music, Friday, Music therapy with Richard who has a great voice and plays guitar knows everyone’s name and we both love him. Mac llikes to listens to music on the radio or CDs. Does not like t.v. so that’s out.
Of course I make sure I go out on my own or with friends every day. I have to take care of me so I can take care of him – usually not longer than 2 hours. Though when longer, I have someone come to be with him, even though I can leave him on the 2nd floor I prefer to have him in our apartment , it’s quieter, and more to his liking.
The library is still in process of being built, but looking good, of course they said it would not be finished till 2015 – who knows what month. I’ll be a happy camper with that next door.
Tonight as I was sitting waiting for Mac to fall asleep, he shares a room with a nice guy called Walter, who also has the big A. and very very quiet..good thing…I had the radio on softly playing music from the War days as its rememberance day…anyway, the Andrew Sisters were singing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy..and one of the nursing assistants, she is about 5ft 10 slim tall black girl from Morocco (I think) her name is Cecile, she came rushing in the room and got me up to Boogie, it was really funny, Mac lying in bed with his eyes closed and she and I dancing all around the big room. His room is really large,though he only has the part near the door, but it’s fine for a couple of basket chairs lamp,on end table and bureau……everyone is very very good to us..He gets such special attention j …all the ladies love Mac especially – his eyes get special mention . must go to bed, I’m exhausted, g’nite, xxjan.
Monday 10 November 2014
Monday, November 10 2014 No...I'm not doing that...
Today, a NO day, I finally got together with the physio-therapist in this residence, she was great and patient but as far as Mac trying to walk with a walker, well forget it, he said in no uncertain terms, NO I"M NOT DOING THAT...so we tried, she will put the walker in his room downstairs, we'll try again, another day.
NO continued with food, that covers breakfast lunch and dinner, so he had a nutria bar (1/2) and 1 C. of milkshake with Ensure frozen yogurt, cream and banana...1 cookie, and 1 glass of apple juice..that's it.
So at the moment he is happily bouncing his foot and shaking his head to the music on radio, but the nurse will be coming soon with his night pill, we'll see, his morning pill for Thryoid has been spit out with a loud NO, So cooperation is not the order of the day...
Anyway, I'm really online to put an email I received from my neice Gail...very interesting and even if it's not completely the answer I'm eating walnuts...
here it is
accurately accredited
Could a simple little nut do what billions of dollars in research has failed to?
I recently told you that Consumer Reports asked two doctors to review the three drugs now approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's. And how they concluded that these meds don't do anything to help those with this terrible disease. Or reverse its course.
But researchers have just discovered something amazing. Something that looks like it can really help.
And unlike those drugs, this may offer a promising beneficial effect in "reducing the risk, delaying the onset, slowing the progression of, or preventing Alzheimer's disease."
And with no awful side effects.
Believe it or not, the secret miracle is...walnuts.
Yes, walnuts. I know it sounds too simple to be possible. But it looks like this common nut is much more complex than you could imagine.
A study just published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has found that mice fed a walnut-enriched diet showed significant improvement in learning skills, memory, and motor development, as well as reduced anxiety.
And the amount of walnuts they consumed made up only 6 or 9 percent of their diets. That equals about 1 ounce or 1.5 ounces a day for us.
In a previous experiment, lead researcher Abha Chauhan, PhD., found walnut extract even protected against those amyloid plaques seen in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
And the fact that walnuts were created to help our brains makes perfect sense. Actually, the clue to that has been right in front of our eyes all along.
Just think what it looks like when you crack that shell open...the walnut itself looks like a miniature brain.
Sources:
"Fight against Alzheimer's disease: New research on walnuts" October 21, 2014, ScienceDaily, sciencedaily.com
NO continued with food, that covers breakfast lunch and dinner, so he had a nutria bar (1/2) and 1 C. of milkshake with Ensure frozen yogurt, cream and banana...1 cookie, and 1 glass of apple juice..that's it.
So at the moment he is happily bouncing his foot and shaking his head to the music on radio, but the nurse will be coming soon with his night pill, we'll see, his morning pill for Thryoid has been spit out with a loud NO, So cooperation is not the order of the day...
Anyway, I'm really online to put an email I received from my neice Gail...very interesting and even if it's not completely the answer I'm eating walnuts...
here it is
accurately accredited
Could a simple little nut do what billions of dollars in research has failed to?
I recently told you that Consumer Reports asked two doctors to review the three drugs now approved by the FDA to treat Alzheimer's. And how they concluded that these meds don't do anything to help those with this terrible disease. Or reverse its course.
But researchers have just discovered something amazing. Something that looks like it can really help.
And unlike those drugs, this may offer a promising beneficial effect in "reducing the risk, delaying the onset, slowing the progression of, or preventing Alzheimer's disease."
And with no awful side effects.
Believe it or not, the secret miracle is...walnuts.
Yes, walnuts. I know it sounds too simple to be possible. But it looks like this common nut is much more complex than you could imagine.
A study just published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease has found that mice fed a walnut-enriched diet showed significant improvement in learning skills, memory, and motor development, as well as reduced anxiety.
And the amount of walnuts they consumed made up only 6 or 9 percent of their diets. That equals about 1 ounce or 1.5 ounces a day for us.
In a previous experiment, lead researcher Abha Chauhan, PhD., found walnut extract even protected against those amyloid plaques seen in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.
And the fact that walnuts were created to help our brains makes perfect sense. Actually, the clue to that has been right in front of our eyes all along.
Just think what it looks like when you crack that shell open...the walnut itself looks like a miniature brain.
Sources:
"Fight against Alzheimer's disease: New research on walnuts" October 21, 2014, ScienceDaily, sciencedaily.com
Sunday 9 November 2014
Sunday, November 9, 2014 You are a hero..
Today, I managed to get Mac up to our apartment to try to give him some breakfast and coffee before I left for Church. It wasn't such a success, he was not hungry, (even though he has been having some food and coffee lately). He was not really happy to be awake, and was not a happy camper. Then it was with some coaxing on my part to get him to go back down to the 2nd floor so I could leave for church.
If I think I'm going to be gone for longer than two hours, I do have his caregivers, but really I can leave him with the preposees and the nurse on the second flor . Actually, I can do that all the time, but somehow I'm never too keen. There are 3 prepossees and a nurse for about 21 people there. They (the preposees) are often in and out of the rooms and it looks like no one is watching the clients or patients, who are usually congregated in the solarium area.
In any case when I was at church, my friend there, (her husband also has the big A), reminded me that it is important to get used to leaving him. This for my sake as well as his, both of us have to get used to the separation, and it's actually not so much for him as for me. She only goes to the residence where her husband is twice a week. Apparently I'm the one who must let go, and have more of a life. Many of the people at church were planning to go to have lunch at the Legion for Rememberance Day, she suggested I go with them as well. So I bit the bullet and said I would go. After church when the groups were getting together to leave, I backed down.
I couldn't explain it but, I felt Mac needed me and so that was it..I couldn't join them. When I returned home I thought - Jan you are not so special and he is probably fine, so just get your act together and get the warm clothes from the basement locker and then go to Mac. At least I'd be doing something worthwhile and I wouldn't be too far away from him, but somehow I couldn't relax I did get the clothes, threw them on the bed, and raced down to the 2nd floor...There was Mac looking quite content with some others in the solarium. I sat beside him and said, Hi, how are you? He answered "not very well".. Well what is it are you feeling sick? He said, my stomach doesn't feel good. "Need to go to the bathroom?" "YES
-that's it he said. With that I took him to his room and into the adjoining bathroom.
Now that he is eating, of course it's natural he has to have a bowel movement...so I told the nurse, where he was - She said, let the preposee get him. I said, no it's o.k. I'll manage, he is sitting on the toilet, but I need a wash cloth etc. So the preposee came along and gave me the necessary stuff.
Well, once he was washed, cleaned up, etc...I had him brush his teeth, wash his face and hands - brushed his hair, and he was just so appreciative. Gave me such a hug and kiss, said, "I love you, - you are a hero!!" Well how about that..."I said well no it's good that you ask to go to the bathroom and I just helped". He said, "no way you are a Hero.. You really are."
Am I glad I listened to the little voice in my head? darn right. All the accolades I get for helping Mac, are nothing compared to hearing how much he appreciates me and that's the most wonderful thanks anyone could get. So this hero will say goodbye for today, who knows what will happen tomorrow, most of the time heroes are only for a day!..so goodbye.
If I think I'm going to be gone for longer than two hours, I do have his caregivers, but really I can leave him with the preposees and the nurse on the second flor . Actually, I can do that all the time, but somehow I'm never too keen. There are 3 prepossees and a nurse for about 21 people there. They (the preposees) are often in and out of the rooms and it looks like no one is watching the clients or patients, who are usually congregated in the solarium area.
In any case when I was at church, my friend there, (her husband also has the big A), reminded me that it is important to get used to leaving him. This for my sake as well as his, both of us have to get used to the separation, and it's actually not so much for him as for me. She only goes to the residence where her husband is twice a week. Apparently I'm the one who must let go, and have more of a life. Many of the people at church were planning to go to have lunch at the Legion for Rememberance Day, she suggested I go with them as well. So I bit the bullet and said I would go. After church when the groups were getting together to leave, I backed down.
I couldn't explain it but, I felt Mac needed me and so that was it..I couldn't join them. When I returned home I thought - Jan you are not so special and he is probably fine, so just get your act together and get the warm clothes from the basement locker and then go to Mac. At least I'd be doing something worthwhile and I wouldn't be too far away from him, but somehow I couldn't relax I did get the clothes, threw them on the bed, and raced down to the 2nd floor...There was Mac looking quite content with some others in the solarium. I sat beside him and said, Hi, how are you? He answered "not very well".. Well what is it are you feeling sick? He said, my stomach doesn't feel good. "Need to go to the bathroom?" "YES
-that's it he said. With that I took him to his room and into the adjoining bathroom.
Now that he is eating, of course it's natural he has to have a bowel movement...so I told the nurse, where he was - She said, let the preposee get him. I said, no it's o.k. I'll manage, he is sitting on the toilet, but I need a wash cloth etc. So the preposee came along and gave me the necessary stuff.
Well, once he was washed, cleaned up, etc...I had him brush his teeth, wash his face and hands - brushed his hair, and he was just so appreciative. Gave me such a hug and kiss, said, "I love you, - you are a hero!!" Well how about that..."I said well no it's good that you ask to go to the bathroom and I just helped". He said, "no way you are a Hero.. You really are."
Am I glad I listened to the little voice in my head? darn right. All the accolades I get for helping Mac, are nothing compared to hearing how much he appreciates me and that's the most wonderful thanks anyone could get. So this hero will say goodbye for today, who knows what will happen tomorrow, most of the time heroes are only for a day!..so goodbye.
Monday 3 November 2014
Monday, November 3, 2014 Wow look at that....
Wow, look at that sunshine...that reaction was Mac's this morning when he came into our apartment. It is such a wow place for sure, with sun pouring into the huge windows it really is spectacular and such a lovely way to start the day. Happily the day started that way and continued right through to bed time with little agitation hurrah.
The main reason for my blog is I think we may have made a breakthrough. Mac is actually eating some solid food, even though the solid was 4 cookies ...he did drink two full cups of boost milk shake, and one cup of cream of spinach soup. Actually that was his total intake for the day, but compared to all the days leading up to this - it really is great. I tried other foods but to no avail.
Another reason I'm writing the blog today., is I have had conversations with two women married to men with Alzheimers..and noticed that the one thing these women have in common with others as well is to feel GUILT. In one woman's case her husband had to be hospitalized - he died - he was hospitalized because he was not breathing well, but she doesn't really know the cause, she thinks it may have been a heart attack
- she wasn't there - and was crying saying I feel so guilty, as she spoke about this situation, she then went on to mention other women in her support group who feel guilty as well. Sunday I was with another lady who told me she could not take seeing her husband in the lockdown ward more than twice a week, it is just too much for her, but she then went on to say how guilty she feels about this. I really think this is something that should be addressed at Support Groups and in material put out by Alzheimer's Associations.
Feeling guilt, why does one feel guilty, I think in my own case, for the most part I really don't feel guilty, I know I'm doing the best I can.
There are times, I feel I must rush back if I'm away for any length of time. I guess that's guilt. Sometimes it's because I think he may be missing me, other times I'm sure he might be acting strangely and the person with him may not be handling him the right way. There really isn't any RIGHT way, but to try to be as kind and caring as one can in the situation. The other time guilt feelings can occur is if one loses patience and starts to yell at the person with the big A. As a matter of fact, the woman I will be going with to a support meeting tomorrow wants to talk about precisely that - apparently she said they had a big blow - up over the weekend and she has had IT...So perhaps the leader of the group will give some insight into the guilt "problem".
Well it's been a good day, behavior-wise, food-wise, and even his walking seems a bit better...so on that note, I'm off to bed...wise? (no really) g'nite.
The main reason for my blog is I think we may have made a breakthrough. Mac is actually eating some solid food, even though the solid was 4 cookies ...he did drink two full cups of boost milk shake, and one cup of cream of spinach soup. Actually that was his total intake for the day, but compared to all the days leading up to this - it really is great. I tried other foods but to no avail.
Another reason I'm writing the blog today., is I have had conversations with two women married to men with Alzheimers..and noticed that the one thing these women have in common with others as well is to feel GUILT. In one woman's case her husband had to be hospitalized - he died - he was hospitalized because he was not breathing well, but she doesn't really know the cause, she thinks it may have been a heart attack
- she wasn't there - and was crying saying I feel so guilty, as she spoke about this situation, she then went on to mention other women in her support group who feel guilty as well. Sunday I was with another lady who told me she could not take seeing her husband in the lockdown ward more than twice a week, it is just too much for her, but she then went on to say how guilty she feels about this. I really think this is something that should be addressed at Support Groups and in material put out by Alzheimer's Associations.
Feeling guilt, why does one feel guilty, I think in my own case, for the most part I really don't feel guilty, I know I'm doing the best I can.
There are times, I feel I must rush back if I'm away for any length of time. I guess that's guilt. Sometimes it's because I think he may be missing me, other times I'm sure he might be acting strangely and the person with him may not be handling him the right way. There really isn't any RIGHT way, but to try to be as kind and caring as one can in the situation. The other time guilt feelings can occur is if one loses patience and starts to yell at the person with the big A. As a matter of fact, the woman I will be going with to a support meeting tomorrow wants to talk about precisely that - apparently she said they had a big blow - up over the weekend and she has had IT...So perhaps the leader of the group will give some insight into the guilt "problem".
Well it's been a good day, behavior-wise, food-wise, and even his walking seems a bit better...so on that note, I'm off to bed...wise? (no really) g'nite.
Saturday 1 November 2014
Saturday, November 1, 2014 Good Good ....
Would never believe I would hear Mac say Good good, when he went to his bedroom downstairs, but as we entered his bedroom, those were the words, good good, he was tired and ready for bed. One other thing that was so interesting, even funny, we were brushing his few teeth (he is still not wearing his dentures) and when he had finished he happened to look at himself in the mirror. I said, hey look how handsome you are. He looked again but more carefully, then said "I think that's your father" ...I just said, " well could be" he does not think of himself as an old man.
Well he sure doesn't look like an old old man now, as Raymond his barber came yesterday. It took him almost two hours to do a really careful and thorough job of cutting Mac's long hair, beard, nose hair and eyebrows...It as a wonderful job, as Mac was at first not keen, and said No I don't need a haircut. Raymond quietly persisted and said, hey Gordon, I'm your barber, remember CN ..well those were the right words. Mac does remember CNR where he used to work, and where Raymond was his barber even in those days..so all went perfectly - now if only I could get him to let the hairdresser wash his hair. If she can't, I know he will let me, I will have to buy a little hose thingie. Also, if I can get the CLSC, which will - I hope - provide me with one of those trays to put behind and around the neck to wash hair at the sink. My friend's mom just got one.(from CLSC).so I'm going o ask. I have been looking for one at the drug store, but they don't have that.
The routine is now fairly well established - I go down in the a.m. around 8:45, hope that he is dressed, sometimes he is sometimes he's not..sometimes he is asleep, sometimes he's awake, I either sit and wait - get him dressed myself or he may be dressed already, whichever then I take him up to our apartment for breakfast, which he won't eat, coffee he will drink and then boost milkshake - perhaps a quarter of a cup or bit more..and surprise he will eat the cookies I make - but only one (oatmeal-
raisin)
Then depending on the day, we hang out in the apt. or go down and try to watch whatever activity is on, music therapy, zootherapy (dogs usually 2 come for a visit), exercise, yoga, virtual bowling..come back for lunch, which is another quarter of a cup of boost...listen to music..and if I have something on, if it's more than 2 hours I leave him with Debbie, as I did today. If not, he will be with me while, I bake, or iron, or do the washing - have company - whatever. Then we go down to sit on two rockers and look out at the trees watch people passing by through the park, chat about vague things,or real things do a crossword together,(that is I do one and he says hmmm yes that's the word... I may read to him , or just sit quietly while he rests his eyes.
We then go through trying to have supper, boost again cookie again, or nothing...who knows.. I also try to walk him around the lobby, around the hallway, just to give him some exercise, haven't managed to talk to the physio therapist - she is never there when I finally go to her office. May try to phone the desk and get her number and set up an appointment, that is probably the way to go. In the evening we listen to Tonic on CBC, then down for bed, and hopefully, he will continue to say Good Good, and I'll say that now as I'm off to bed...Two sleepy people , I wish I could say we're two here, but at least we're together most of the time, Good good, g'nite.
Well he sure doesn't look like an old old man now, as Raymond his barber came yesterday. It took him almost two hours to do a really careful and thorough job of cutting Mac's long hair, beard, nose hair and eyebrows...It as a wonderful job, as Mac was at first not keen, and said No I don't need a haircut. Raymond quietly persisted and said, hey Gordon, I'm your barber, remember CN ..well those were the right words. Mac does remember CNR where he used to work, and where Raymond was his barber even in those days..so all went perfectly - now if only I could get him to let the hairdresser wash his hair. If she can't, I know he will let me, I will have to buy a little hose thingie. Also, if I can get the CLSC, which will - I hope - provide me with one of those trays to put behind and around the neck to wash hair at the sink. My friend's mom just got one.(from CLSC).so I'm going o ask. I have been looking for one at the drug store, but they don't have that.
The routine is now fairly well established - I go down in the a.m. around 8:45, hope that he is dressed, sometimes he is sometimes he's not..sometimes he is asleep, sometimes he's awake, I either sit and wait - get him dressed myself or he may be dressed already, whichever then I take him up to our apartment for breakfast, which he won't eat, coffee he will drink and then boost milkshake - perhaps a quarter of a cup or bit more..and surprise he will eat the cookies I make - but only one (oatmeal-
raisin)
Then depending on the day, we hang out in the apt. or go down and try to watch whatever activity is on, music therapy, zootherapy (dogs usually 2 come for a visit), exercise, yoga, virtual bowling..come back for lunch, which is another quarter of a cup of boost...listen to music..and if I have something on, if it's more than 2 hours I leave him with Debbie, as I did today. If not, he will be with me while, I bake, or iron, or do the washing - have company - whatever. Then we go down to sit on two rockers and look out at the trees watch people passing by through the park, chat about vague things,or real things do a crossword together,(that is I do one and he says hmmm yes that's the word... I may read to him , or just sit quietly while he rests his eyes.
We then go through trying to have supper, boost again cookie again, or nothing...who knows.. I also try to walk him around the lobby, around the hallway, just to give him some exercise, haven't managed to talk to the physio therapist - she is never there when I finally go to her office. May try to phone the desk and get her number and set up an appointment, that is probably the way to go. In the evening we listen to Tonic on CBC, then down for bed, and hopefully, he will continue to say Good Good, and I'll say that now as I'm off to bed...Two sleepy people , I wish I could say we're two here, but at least we're together most of the time, Good good, g'nite.
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