On with this post...
Tuesday was a bit disturbing in a big way...
As usual, I went to visit S in the TLC care facility where she is a dementia patient. The last couple of times I've been, there has been a split-second hesitancy in S recognising me when I walk in the door. I know this is going to get worse as time goes on, with her eventually not recognising me at all. This week, however, it seems to have taken another turn.
The patients do a number of exercises in the facility, and I happened to walk in on one on Tuesday. They were sitting in pairs, across the tables from each other, playing a sort of Beer Pong but without the shooters. Basically, they bounce a table tennis ball across the table to try and land it in a wide-brimmed cup, taking turns as they go along. It is good for their motor skills and reactions.
S and I played together, mostly with me coaxing her on what to do, almost every time she had to play the ball. One of the symptoms of her condition is that she has almost zero memory of processes or repetitive actions and loses her train of thought within seconds.
As is her usual self, she was also chatting animatedly to her friend Grace who was at an opposite table. What was disturbing, was that she was repeatedly telling Grace that "Steven will be here soon, and we're going to the farm."
Yes, disturbing in that we don't have a farm, have never been to a farm together and don't actually know anybody who has a farm. More so, was the fact that I was sitting directly opposite her and she was talking about me as if I wasn't even there. Her spatial cognisance is really starting to get bad, and I think it may not be too much longer until she does not recognise me anymore...
Look after yourselves out there, folks.....be kind to each other...
As usual, I went to visit S in the TLC care facility where she is a dementia patient. The last couple of times I've been, there has been a split-second hesitancy in S recognising me when I walk in the door. I know this is going to get worse as time goes on, with her eventually not recognising me at all. This week, however, it seems to have taken another turn.
The patients do a number of exercises in the facility, and I happened to walk in on one on Tuesday. They were sitting in pairs, across the tables from each other, playing a sort of Beer Pong but without the shooters. Basically, they bounce a table tennis ball across the table to try and land it in a wide-brimmed cup, taking turns as they go along. It is good for their motor skills and reactions.
S and I played together, mostly with me coaxing her on what to do, almost every time she had to play the ball. One of the symptoms of her condition is that she has almost zero memory of processes or repetitive actions and loses her train of thought within seconds.
As is her usual self, she was also chatting animatedly to her friend Grace who was at an opposite table. What was disturbing, was that she was repeatedly telling Grace that "Steven will be here soon, and we're going to the farm."
Yes, disturbing in that we don't have a farm, have never been to a farm together and don't actually know anybody who has a farm. More so, was the fact that I was sitting directly opposite her and she was talking about me as if I wasn't even there. Her spatial cognisance is really starting to get bad, and I think it may not be too much longer until she does not recognise me anymore...
Look after yourselves out there, folks.....be kind to each other...
2 comments:
Brother, I feel you. A very sad situation, and as I have a mom in the same situation, I know what you are going through. Mom was asking after dad, and he had passed more than 20 years ago. She often would ask about her mom, saying she saw her getting off the bus, and was wondering why she hadn't visited yet - yet mom was bedridden, and couldn't have seen a bus anywhere.
Now she's quite, I don't know if she recognizes us ay all. Sometimes I will get a one word response from her, but only if I speak in Italian. Mostly, maybe a smile. It's hard, and they get quieter and more withdrawn. Eventually bedridden as the brain no longer sends messages to the rest of the body with regards moving. Keeping your beautiful and precious lady in my prayers (and you too of course). Sending love......
Thank you, brother... I feel your pain too.
Post a Comment