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Anyone have Alzheimer's experience?

PurpleK26PurpleK26 member
in Pregnant after a Loss

While my parents are up in MN for my grandma's death and funeral, DH and I are taking care of my grandpa, who lives with my parents, and has for the last 3 years.

He's got Alzheimer's, but not so bad that he's totally unaware of who he is etc. He gets generations confused, ie thinking his sons are his brothers or something like that etc.

Well, with my parent's gone, he's really really confused, way more than normal. Last night he was certain that he was supposed to walk up the road behind our house (there isn't one) to the city to get to his house. All that is out there is fields... you can't even see another building. He's also informed me the past 2 mornings that he went to bed in one place and woke up in another place... he hasn't.

Anyone know what he might be thinking or what i should say to him to help set him straight? I've heard that you're just supposed to go along with what they say, to not further confuse them, but  when he's got his coat on and going outside to 'go to where he sleeps' I don't know how to convince him without confusing him more!

This is just a whole ballgame I'm not familiar with! Any advice or ideas?
 

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Re: Anyone have Alzheimer's experience?

  • irishbaby0708irishbaby0708 member

    Hi - Sorry your going through this.  Both of my parents suffered through this.  Since his routinue is upset with your parents not being there it's throwing him offf.  What we would do is change the subject and distract him with something that he like or that is familar to him.  Some times it work and some times it doesn't.  Something than calms him is the best thing.  i wouldn't try to correct him since it will just make him upset.  With my mother it was easier i would talk about things she liked and it always worked.  With my father i would turn on a favorite show or talk about the old days.  If he insist on going out how about taking him for a walk once you start on your way he may just change his whole thought process. 

    Good Luck! 

    10/17/2009 - Our Miracle came 10 weeks early. IF,2 MC and 1 Preemie we have our miracle.. Baby Hope 10 weeks 5days was taken from us on Dec 18, 2007. Forever with us and Forever missed. Triplets Lost baby A @ weeks, Lost Baby B at 6 weeks and lost baby Abigail at 14 weeks when she was born to little for this life..... Forever with us ....
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  • WearingRedWearingRed member
    Call your parents and ask what he night time schedule is. Having a set schedule helps a lot! And call him by his first name not Grandpa or whatever you did as a kid. Other than that it just a difficult situation you have to get through. My prayers are with you.

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  • roxyttandmeroxyttandme member

    Hi... I am a lurker and hope you don't mind me posting...

    I used to work w/ Alzheimer's residence and get the disease. Please know that this is much harder on the family than it usually is for the patient.

    If he is exiting the house- try putting a dark or black rug in front of the door. They often times think it is a whole and will not walk on it. I would also recommend getting him a bracelet w/ emergency contact information in case he does escape. Emergency services will at least know who to call if in case. Try decorating his current residence to resemble his past one. If you can trick him into thinking he "is" already home- he will be less likely to seeking it.

    Often times, elders w/ Alzheimer?s will draw back and emotionally live in a time of their life that is comforting to them. You will often times see woman walking around w/ baby dolls - which reminds them of their children when they were young. This is something to keep in mind for his activities of daily living. It is just a good idea to have an understanding of the mindset. If you can define- when or what his mindset is- his actions will be more predictable. Consistency is key. Make sure there is a set schedule in his life- and things will be smoother. Make a list of the things he used to like to do when he was well and try to incorporate them into his life. It can bring them comfort and keep life similar. Again, reducing the possibility of him wanting to "escape."

    Also, talk to his Dr. about Aricept. It slows the disease and can increase cognitive functions at times. When confusion gets really bad, many people consider lock down assisted living facilities. If you get to that point, make sure you contact your local Ombudsman post and ask for referrals. In my experience, the facilities are either amazing or disgusting and often times those features are only seen behind closed doors.

    This might be TMI- but you need to keep a close eye on his bowel movements. Often times, elders get constipated and they don't have the congnitive ability to voice their irregularities and it becomes an issue.

    Feel free to PM me if you have anymore questions or need more suggestions. There are a lot of tricks out there that can help.

    I am sorry you are having to go through this... but, please know this is most likely more difficult for you than it is him.

    big (((hugs)))

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  • BrosisBrosis
    I second Irishbaby's input.  Structure is very, very helpful for people with Alzheimers.  As much as you can, try to keep his daily schedule (wake up time, meals, activities, bedtime) as close to his normal routine as possible.  Distraction is a great technique, and can often prevent any agitation or arguments.  Remote memories usually stay intact the longest, so try to get Grandpa talking about his childhood, military service, etc.  Reminisce magazine, (avail by subscription or at the library) is a great conversation starter.  It has pictures & stories that can evoke memories of the "good old days".  Music (classics or tunes from his youth) can be another good tool, and might help with relaxation.It may be a challenging stay for you and your husband, but it can also be a special time of bonding with your grandpa too.  (Both of my grandparents had Alzheimers and passed away within the last year.)  GL!
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  • PurpleK26PurpleK26 member

    Thank You ALL for this advice and suggested ideas!

    DH and I stay with him any time my parents are out of town, which is monthly or bi-monthly, so I'm semi used to doing this. He's just so much further gone than he was a few weeks ago when we stayed with him!

    He also likes to fight me, because he knows I'm his granddaughter and feels its inappropriate for me to tell him what to do or help him out. He actually seems to connect with DH when he needs help more... guess it's a guy thing!

     

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