Thursday, May 31, 2012

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Mary Kay Snyder asks

Q: Mother with dementia is active sometimes,but sleeps most of the day anyway.Why is this?

Mom does crossword puzzles in the morning,after her breakfast with caregiver who is a family member.Then goes to the couch and sleeps til noon,has lunch on couch cause kitchen is too cold,according to mom.Then she sleeps til 3pm,then gets up and starts going back and forth to the bathroom at least 20 times or more.Drives caregiver crazy.Caregiver starts supper,mom used to set table but doesn't anymore.Come time to eat,mom sits down and lets her food get cold,by looking out the window and them tells caregiver she is not hungry or eats very little.Small portions are given,cause if too much food is on plate,she complains it's too much.Caregiver is discusted an trys to mircowave food to keep warm.After a while,caregiver throws food in garbage can.Tension is between them both.Caregiver say's she can't afford to put mom into a adult program.She is at witts end,and tells mom "You are driving me crazy" I have no life anymore...Got any suggestions?

 

                                         Ms. Snyder

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Answers (2)
1/14/09 5:44pm

What about taking Mom outside, for a walk, or to the library after she wakes up around 3pm? It sounds like she needs some exercise and you'll feel better with exercise too.

 

It's time to begin to spoonfeed Mom. I do the first few spoonfuls with my Mom, then she takes initiative and will begin to feed herself. If she stops feeding herself, I give her a few more spoonfuls till she starts using the spoon again. I'd also recommend a baby-food warmer to keep the food warmer longer.

 

re: Adult daycare~I filled out the forms showing *only* Mom's income. Now I just have to pay a partial expense and Mom can attend the daycare up to 30 days/month. THey also have respite vouchers, to use at a local nursinghome for 3 nights/yr.

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3/27/09 11:46pm

Hi Mary Kay,

 

I recently lost my mother to AD and am now a caregiver for a woman (Bernice) with dementia. "They" say, it is normal to sleep quite a bit, but, the key is to find things to stimulate our loved ones.

My friends and I have been searching for different ways to stimulate their senses; whether it be physical, visual or sound we have found great success in improving their daily lives.

Please visit our online site to look at some of the items; you would be surprised to find what a great impact it has made with my friend Bernice! Our purpose is to help those, who don't know where to turn and from my own personal experience with my mother, I certainly understand.

My prayers are with you and your mother.

 

If I can help in any way, I will!

Julie@bestalzheimersproducts.com

 

 

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By Mary Kay Snyder— Last Modified: 12/18/10, First Published: 01/14/09