Tree

I placed a small Christmas tree with red lights in Dave’s room   It seems to cheer him and it is pleasant to visit with him there.  I noticed that it is less stressful to chat with someone and not expect Dave to comment.  Dave’s cognitive abilities are diminished. It takes him a bit to come up with an answer.  Often he struggles with the question.  So. ‘‘Tis the season.

Moaning

The palliative doctor explained that Dave sleeps or just closes his eyes when there is too much stimulation, too many people talking.  It is his way of coping.  Lately he has been moaning.   I think he is half asleep and maybe the moaning comforts him because it eventually stops.  Sometimes this wakes me, other times I am already awake.

Dave's legs are no longer working.  The therapist tried to help him walk to no avail.  Again, I asked the doctor if we should continue to force him.  She said , no, he does not want to do it so let him be comfortable.  Now I worry about bed sores.  The aide and I do our best to keep him clean and rotated.  I placed a small Christmas tree in the room.  It seems to cheer Dave.  At least he knows what season is.

CBD

Some mornings I look at Dave and hold back the tears.  It is so disheartening to watch him decline . A nurse came yesterday and when it was time to take his blood pressure, he refused.   Enough pulling and poking.  He just wants to sleep.   He ate a good breakfast but not much thereafter.  The palliative doctor is coming on Friday.  I will have lots of questions.

I have discovered CBD oil capsules.  Medical marijuana.  I am not sure if it is psychological but my mood is lifted when I take them.  Takes me back to the 70's.

Hospital bed

The hospital bed has made such a big difference.  Dave no longer sleeps while moaning.  I think the raised head is helping.  My aches and pains are doing better too.  Another new phase in Dave's care.  The palliative doctor comes next week.    Since Dave is unable to stand, it makes a difference as to which doctor to visit.  House calls seem to be the answer.

I am beginning to think Dave's vascular dementia is not as serious as other dementias.  Maybe it is keeping him hydrated that makes the difference too.  Dave has been quite lucid, slow to answer but very "with it".   Life is not so bad.