Archive for March, 2009

When Wayne as diagnosed (officially), he had his employers disability and also applied for CPP disability.

We had been warned by others that it will be a long drawn out affair of frustration. Pleasantly surprised to see approval and first cheque in 2 weeks. Of course, I have to realize, with Alzheimer’s diagnosis it’s rather cut and dried – no getting better or trying to prove your back indeed is killing you. (This is no shot at anyone having troubles getting coverage.)

A couple months later, I was so sorry to miss a call from an MD with the federal government. She left a message, addressing Wayne, sending good wishes and wondering how we were doing. That meant the world to both of us.

Sadly, she had an accent and spoke quickly. I was unable to catch her name.

At the federal office in town, the young lady dealing with our initial paper work, was hiding tears as she worked away on her computer. This was before Wayne had his Ari*ept Rx and he was really in bad shape.

We often sit in the evening, discussing this and that. Always in agreement that 99% of the people in the world are so good and have hearts of gold.

If you have a story, please tell it. I know there are people who don’t fall in this category of caring but most do.

Not sure if I’ve ever mentioned using the shorter tennis socks for AD patients.

His longer socks were a source of frustration. Now he pulls these socks on with little help, as long as he gets them “started right”.

Bought new socks and shorts for him today, decided to wash them right away so put a load of darks in – I missed a Kleenex – how, I’ll never know as checked all the pockets. Maybe he had one stuffed in a shirt sleeve. It was enough of a mess that I’ll turn shirts inside out to check them from now on. Looks like it snowed in the laundry room. My mumblings got the attention of Buddy who is now wandering around like a molting goat – bit’s of white tissue clinging here and there.

So, if I’m not on for a couple days, don’t worry. The guys are bringing oak nosings tomorrow morn and guess who gets to stain them.

Plus, I’m labeling his new clothes and sorting what he needs.

Our home care schedule has been totally changed and I think it will work for the better – seems good. I didn’t request anything, she (RN) just made changes and asked if they would work for us.

There is much discontent with our health care system. So far we have never had an issue, in fact they seem to go “above and beyond” to help us.

Hope all is well in your world.

I was damp wiping the stairs today – Buddy and Wayne were at the top of the stairs watching me work.

“You’re the reason for all this work, Bud.”

Wayne said, “Don’t listen to her, Buddy, she had nothing to do anyway.” ***Forgot to say he was laughing as he said this.***

Grrrrrrrrrrr!

Eureka, I have found it – a cure for not seeing the steps down to the living room. I set rechargeable flashlights on the corner of each set of stairs. They cast just enough light to “show the steps”. It doesn’t help that the floor is dark walnut.

Every night I just plug them in ready for morn.

He has fallen on his knees once and tripped several times – didn’t know what was going to do to help. Our stairs to the lower level are being done this week, I know now to run row lighting under each step.