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BeauJangles
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 Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 8:31 am Post subject: Alzheimers |
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Super Newbie
Joined: Apr 23, 2006
Posts: 5
Location: Australia
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Hi I would just like to say that at Xmas last my mum in law came to live with us and was in a sad state, 91 yrs old and starting with dementia. my wife and I could not have the heart to put her in a home. With a healthy diet and medication her weight has gone from 7 1/2 stone to 8st 4lbs but sadly dealing with the dementia is so draining I just wondered if anybody has been in a similar situation. My wife does a wonderful job but I feel it will tell on her as time goe's on.
BeauJangles |
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Rose
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| Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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Pure Essence
Joined: Mar 17, 2004
Posts: 2855
Location: Canada Ontario
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Theolinda
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| Posted: Mon Oct 29, 2007 1:52 pm Post subject: Alzheimers |
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Enjoying Life
Joined: Jul 29, 2006
Posts: 35
Location: Indiana
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Hi Ken, my Mother in Law is in a nursing home 20 miles north of where we live.It is the best around and they encourage all relatives to take a part in her life. It was easy at first,she was in for a mild stroke and was so unsteady on her feet we feared for her falling and really hurting herself.Grandma ( my name for her) is 91 and has a serious leaky valve in her heart so we have to keep a close eye on her as she cannot live through an operation where she would have to be put under. In the last 3 1/2 weeks I have watched this wonderfull, kind,devoted Mother turn into a human vegetable that just stares at us or mumbles a word here and there. She has quit eating unless she is fed so between my husband, his daughter and I ,we try to get one of us there for every meal to see that she eats well. There is a feeding station at the back of the dining room for those residents that have no one and can't feed themselves. The aides take care of them and are very good with all of them.
Each time we go in Grandmas room or see her sitting in the tv room wih a vacant look on her face it is like being stabbed in the heart.
I admire you and your wife for wanting to care for your Mother in Law but there will come a time that professional help is more than needed.I pray for you and your family because I know the heartbreak you are all suffering.Take care and the best to you. Theolinda |
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Guest
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| Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2007 2:50 pm Post subject: |
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Joined: Aug 06, 2005
Posts: -521
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I once worked in an Alzheimers wing of a nursing home. In one way it was the toughest job I've ever worked.
In other ways it's one of the sweetest places I could have ever been.
The patients were both sweet and boisterous.
They didn't know who they were, where they were or who it was who was visiting with them.
BUT they did know their feelings. I remember one night I tucked a sweet little lady into her bed.
I was about to turn out her light and leave until her hand touched mine. We looked in each other's face and when she smiled at me I melted into a pool of pure compassion.
Would you like a bed time prayer? I asked her.
She closed her eyes, drew in a deep breath and whispered softly, Yes, Oh,yes, pray for me.
I prayed for her to have a night of sweet sleep.
I prayed for her and her family. And even though her hand had relaxed in mine during our shared prayerful moment
and she was already asleep I prayed for myself and my family, too.
I had just become a single mother of two teen age childern and life was a tough challenge for us all.
She and I connected in a moment of need for both of us, she felt lost as did I.
This one moment infused my will with strength and tenacity to hold on to carry on. That moment is a life long memory for me. She was in the best place she could be.
I've already told my momma that if she goes the way her mom did that my life
circumstances prevent me from being able to take care of her on my own. That decision is already made.
It's apparent you love your Mum dearly and sometimes the toughest choice is also the best choice. |
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MotheringMother
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| Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:53 pm Post subject: Re: Alzheimers |
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Super Newbie
Joined: Nov 25, 2007
Posts: 1
Location: Florida
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[Hi Beaujangles,
I lived through a very similar situation. I brought my 89 year old mother, suffering from Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, into my home to live with my husband, two of our three daughters, myself (and two dogs and a kitty). It wasn't easy, and it wasn't pretty.
I know how very stressed (stress seems like too 'nice and neat" of a work, doesn't it?) you are.
I wrote every day--I wrote the candid truth--about the funny/crazy times and I wrote of the darkest hour. I'm not just trying to hock my book here. If it will help you, then I hope you check it out, but truly, know that I care.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me.
~Carol D. O'Dell
author of MOTHERING MOTHER: A Daughter's Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir, available on Amazon and in most bookstores.
www.mothering-mother.com
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Carol D. O´Dell is the author of Mothering Mother: A Daughter´s Humorous and Heartbreaking Memoir, avialable on Amazon and in most bookstores. She is a speaker and presenter in areas of inspiration, spirituality, caregiving, Alzheimer´s |
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Sheri1969
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| Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 4:29 am Post subject: |
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Women of Faith
Joined: Nov 30, 2005
Posts: 298
Location: Ontario Canada
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I am so sorry for what you are going through. I do not persoanlly know anybody with alzheimers (sp), but have a friend whose mom has it. He tells of her doodling in the air and kind of mumbling to herself. However, my friend is a Gospel singer, and when he started to sing her one favourite hymn, she suddenly started to mouth the words right along with him. She did not sing the words, but she was aware of the song and the Spirit behind them. I believe deep down, they know, but just cannot get it out. I pray that this Christmas will be especially blessed for you all. Please be encouraged in that the soul/spirit never dies.
Merry Christmas,
Sheri1969
_________________
Sheri Liegh Adams
Jesus Never Fails! |
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