Honor thy Father

Wayne is doing a GREAT job in Florida with Pop.  He got stuck with the Chihuahua, too.  I guess the hotel at Martha's Vineyard wouldn't take dogs.   Thankfully, the Chi doesn't require too much care.  But, Dad does.  He woke up in the middle of the night the other night and turned on the upstairs porch lights.  Luckily, Wayne is a light sleeper.  Wayne came out to see what he was up to and Pop said, "Where are all the women?"  Wayne thinks he was referring to Linda and myself.  He went back to bed and slept in late until 9:30 AM.  Usually he is up before 8 am.  When he was sitting at the breakfast table, he said, "Hmmm, where are we?  I can't remember."  Wayne said, "Bill, we are in YOUR house."  Dad said, "Well, I guess that's a good thing."

As soon as you change up anything with a person who has moderate dementia, you can expect confusion to follow.  Dad knew who Wayne was, but with Jim and Linda leaving on vacation and Wayne sleeping in the spare back bedroom, it threw his brain into a bit of a turmoil.  That's why it so important to keep ROUTINES.  But, it is also very important for the caregivers to get a BREAK.  Sometimes we have to upset the routine a wee bit now and then. :0) 

Wayne said he didn't have any difficulty getting Pop to shower.  He gave him the choice of showering before breakfast or after breakfast.  He chose before breakfast.  While Dad was in the shower he took his old clothes and put them in the washer and laid out his new clothes for him.  Wayne is careful to watch that he takes his pills.  Pop can be pretty crafty about "not" taking them.   I know from first hand experience.

Wayne is really good with him.  I am so thankful that he is getting to spend time with Dad.  He even took Dad out for a car ride to the beach for a bit.  Dad is pretty unsteady in unfamiliar places, so kudos to you, Wayne.  At home, Dad doesn't use the stairs anymore and basically follows the sun from back porch to front porch with an occasional nap in an overstuffed chair in the living room.

Our parents gave us the best possible life.  It was not without it's turmoil, but no family or marriage is.  Now it is our turn to pay them back for all of those years they gave to us.  If you still have a Mom or Dad alive, give them a jingle today and tell them how much they mean to you.  Remember, in youth we run into difficulties.  In old age, difficulties run into us.  It is a rare and difficult attainment to grow old gracefully and happily.  My Dad fits that description perfectly.  We will honor and care for him till his last day on earth. :0)