One of the things I first learned in my support group from our facilitator was that Alzheimer's patients operate out of fear. Their world doesn't seem the same to them. Things look, feel, and smell differently. At times, their world may not be ours, so confronting them about the differences can bring agitation, verbal aggression, not to mention confusion.
In my dad's case, I think these changes bring fear and apathy.
* I gave my dad a pedicure yesterday. He had his feet in my foot bath, and when I turned it on, you would have thought he got an electric shot, or worse yet, been shot! It scared the bejeebers out of him.
* M - "Dad, we're all going over to Dawn's. Here's your water."
D - "Why do I want to go over there?"
M - "We're going to see her new wood floors and her new big screen TV."
D - "Nah, I'll stay here. I've seen wood floors before and I'll watch this TV."
* Hey, dad - come on in the pool with me!
D - "Nah, I'll stay inside."
I can usually come up with a zillion of these things, but right now, that's all I can think of to type. I guess I just wanted to say that my dad doesn't want to go anywhere, and is frightened by things that typically would never have frightened him. (You should see him jump if I have to wake him up!)
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1 comment:
Did he go to Dawn's? I admire that you understand the differences he feels and respect his response. I am sure that is difficult - perhaps that is why others have a tough time.
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