Archive for September 23rd, 2008
The seminar was good for early diagnosis situation – I had forgotten the initial devastation til I listened to spouses recount the recoiling horror of being told Mr. or Mrs. does have AD.
Anyway, for anyone going to meetings or speaking with health care providers, do try to get the point across which you really mean to make – if that makes sense! Today an elderly gentleman (86) was kind of going in circles with his questions and therefore the answers he received.
I’m no genius but could see the speaker was misunderstanding his questions/points. After the seminar, I saw him on the street and introduced myself. It turns out he needs home care, there was a home visit by the RN but either he fell thru the cracks or she misunderstood him.
He wants home care for his 82 year old wife. So I told him to call the nurse again and explain he needs help and I’m sure it will be set up. He was relieved. It broke my heart because as we said goodbye, he told me she “has good legs”, mine aren’t so good anymore.She can walk way faster and further than I.” Oh, mercy, man.
Seconds later, he called her name – he had left her home alone and here she was, outside our meeting place looking for him. Scary, scary.
Our MD had his receptionist call me about an AD seminar – S&R had planned to keep my guy but our schedules got crazy and I have a friend helping out. He will meet us at the seminar.
Usually I don’t go to these things being I have to ask for help – I ask for so much now that it’s crazy – and always the same groups of people.
Had my physical yesterday and leaned on S&R once again to keep him. Then they will relieve the aides on a day soon as I have a long standing appt. which I can’t change – and wouldn’t get home in time.
Anyway, if I learn something earth shattering, I’ll post it later.
I can live with the “day to day” but my biggest gripe is: when, when will I be on my own, if ever. When will he need more care than I can manage? When will my stomach stop hurting? When will the MD’s stop his AD meds? When will a cure be found? Enough of these whens.
