i know i was using it yesterday

[pensnest]

Haven't been much in evidence here of late. Taking care of a person with dementia is a dreary business, even though Beast deals with the most intimate matters. It's hard to get a meal without interruption, everything takes so long, and there's very little chance of keeping to our normal routine.

We had the doctor here yesterday, as FIL has a chest infection. She's prescribed antibiotics, mercifully in liquid form, because he isn't really eating now. Yogurt is the best he can manage, and he doesn't really manage that. I scrambled an egg for his lunch, but no.

It's the disrupted nights that are the worst.

*

In other news, I ***seem*** to have thwarted the squirrel. I cut off the three obvious branches it dangled from to reach the bird feeder, and have not observed it trying to get there from above. The water pistol has arrived, and is great fun but rather erratic to aim. I have sprayed it in the general direction of the squirrel—it has quite a good range—which was enough to send the little blighter packing for the evening. Also worked on the skinny black cat, again without it actually getting wet.

I ought to be out doing something in the way of clearance in the garden, but Beast is playing WoW this afternoon so I am staying in to deal with FIL if he bellows. Right at the moment I think he is asleep. He doesn't do much else, now. He ceased to enjoy even ballet or classical concerts on the television a few days ago, and has not been downstairs at all since Monday. When you think about it, watching any television channel has got to be a bewildering experience for a person who no longer has a firm grasp on where he is.

*

Possibly I may nap.

ETA: of course I have not thwarted the squirrel, which was observed hanging upside down on the fat ball holder this very afternoon. I was not in a position to blast it with the water pistol, alas, but am now prepared to spring into action with said infernal engine. We shall see.

Comments

[sperrywink]

It does sound challenging. You have all my sympathy as does the Beast and your FiL. Nothing is scarier than getting dementia in my mind.

{{{hugs}}}

SQUIRREL!!

[pensnest]

Having seen what it is doing to FIL, and what that is doing to us, I *really* don't want to live into my nineties. Risk of dementia doubles when you get to 95 (he's 96). If I knew of a quiet means to commit suicide, I would stockpile.

[manna]

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time with your FIL.

Have you looked into arranging some respite care? You need to look after yourselves, as well as FIL.

[pensnest]

The reactions of Social Services have been excellent - we were going to look into at least having someone regularly so that we can go out *together* occasionally, even if only to the gym. There seem to be a lot of options. Not sure if we'll need them.

At least there are two of us!

[turps]

Dementia is a horrific thing and I feel for you all.

I'm glad you're having some fun battling the squirrel.

[pensnest]

It is truly horrible to watch.

I live in hopes of actually watering the squirrel. I mean, it has not really done anything wrong, but, hey, watered squirrel!

[yarnofariadne]

Dementia really sounds so awful. My husband works in a care home and every day that he brings home stories from the dementia floor I just can't help but cry, I don't know how he does it. Sending all of you so much love.

[pensnest]

I don't know how anyone can do it for a living, but I have *enormous* respect for them.

[stranger]

The classical music and ballet to watch sounds really good, being about as timeless and non-verbal as there is. Until, sigh, he doesn't even want that. Sending you strength.

[pensnest]

For a while it was really all he could watch, but I don't think anything makes sense to him now. It's so sad.

[topaz119]

Sending you good thoughts across the water. D is having a rough time with some physical side-effects from the stroke and we are not having smooth nights, so I am totally there with you with the fractured sleep patterns.

[pensnest]

Yes, indeed, having too little sleep is a big problem when you have so much to cope with. I wish him a steady recovery, and both of you better nights.

[ephemera]

*virtual tea* I'm sorry - that sounds so very hard.

Seconding A's comment about respite care: my friend who is nursing her mother through her last weeks has been able to have someone come in to cover one or two nights a week, so she can get some uninterrupted not-on-call sleep, and an afternoon a week, so she can get outside and take a break, and that's been really valuable to her. If it might help, I can try and research some options for you?

[pensnest]

Many thanks for the offer, but I don't think it'll be necessary. We do have quite a few options, including overnight care, but things are progressing so fast now that I don't think we'll need it for very much longer. At least there are two of us, we can support each other.

[frausorge]

That sounds really rough. I hope you do get some solid time to rest at some point.

And that is one persistent squirrel.

[pensnest]

I actually had a good night last night; Beast regularly gets up a couple of times anyway, but when he checked on his dad there wasn't anything he could actually do.

If I were more of a techie I would have set up a camera and would now have some idea whether it's just one squirrel or all of them (there are at least three residents)!

[rikes]

I am so sorry to hear about the situation with your FIL. Dementia is horrible. *hugs*

[pensnest]

It really is. I think his quality of life is about -3 on a scale of 1-10.

[brandywine28]

You're a good daughter-in-law. And an excellent human being in general. *hugs*

[pensnest]

Thank you. I sometimes wonder....

[turlough]

I feel so much for you and Beast and for your FiL! Dementia is horrifying. *hugs you and sends many good and strengthening thoughts*

[pensnest]

I think we're coming to the end of it. I'm beginning to realise just how much of a strain it has been - still is, but yes, we're coming to the end.