I have been slack writing this blog, we had gotten into a routine or a grove of sorts. Dad was taking care of mom....she had good days and and occasional bad nights but nothing that we could not handle together.
Don't ever get too comfortable with with your life's situation and caring for someone with Alzheimer's. Three weeks ago things changed FAST. Dad was admitted to the hospital with a severe UTI. Things went from bad to worse in the hospital. His heart rate was 170, his breathing was shallow, he was unable to walk and he was sleeping 90% of the time. He had to have a cardioversion to restore his heart rate to normal and he was put on oxygen. He had antibiotics for his UTI, but still dad did not bounce back. It seemed as if he had a stroke. Tests were done and it was determined he did NOT have a stroke. The doctors could only say he was very sick and it will take a long time for him to recover.
My sister, brother and I quickly became mom's 24/7 caregivers. She wanted to go to the hospital every day to see him. She would hold his hand, stroke his forehead and tell her that she loved him. Days before this happened she may or may not have known who he was. She is not able to stay by herself so my sister and I became the week day caregivers and my brother helped out on the weekends. Mom was doing well the first week or so but I believe this event is taking a toll on her. She has trouble remembering who my sister and I are and why are we taking care of her. She keeps wishing her daddy was here to tell her what to do.
Dad has now been moved to a rehab facility to increase his strength. Right now he is still unable to walk or sit up in a chair and he is still on oxygen. The visits have turned into a battle of wills, he wants to sleep and she wants him to wake up and talk. His morning is devoted to Physical Therapy so we have tried going in the afternoon and evenings but he is always asleep.
Alzheimer's disease is a horrible thing to experience with your loved one. We have seen our mom go from someone who 'did it all' to someone who needs our help every day with the simplest of chores. She keeps saying she does not want to be a burden, we reassure her that she is not a burden and we are proud to be able to help her out. Right now we have two parents to care for....one at home with Alzheimer's and one in rehab trying to regain strength to be able to walk and take care of himself at home. In my heart I don't think dad will ever be able to return to his duties as caregiver for mom. It seems more likely that we will have two parents to care for.
Our family clings to our faith in Jesus. From Jesus Lives by Sarah Young......"When unexpected events shake up your routines, rejoice. This is exactly what you need, to wake you up and point you towards Me." Psalm 63:8 My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me. I love you mom & dad.
