I just need to tell my Cute friends the following. Please say a prayer for us and for Chris Pennifold as she is going through the same thing.
For the last 2 years I have been taking care of my oldest sister, she has Dementia. She lives alone, I would take her to appointments and shop for her. I would spend hours trying to clean the hoarding house. Her house is need of major repair. The signs have been there for some time but now it is at a point where I need more help with her. We do have another sister, but she has not spoken to us in over a year. Yesterday I sent her a letter telling her I love her and about our older sister. I hope she responds.
She did stay at a behavioral hospital unit for 10 days. Medications were adjusted and upon release the doctors said she can no longer live by herself, and she must go to assisted living. Well, we found one, but she had to wait 2weeks to become a resident. I brought her to stay with me. She also has Sundowners. I only slept about 3 hours a night for those 2 weeks. At times she does not recognize me or my house. I tried to be calm with her but at times I did get aggravated. I have cried many of times. One thing I do not understand is the doctors say she is competent but unable to be on her own and unable to make good decisions for herself.
She had a dog, 16 years old, we found a senior dog foster, strange but sister was not upset when the dog left. But that night was a nightmare. Of course, she did not remember doing destruction of the bedroom.
The most sewing I have done in months is putting her name on her clothes. It’s a sad feeling.
The resident room was ready last Monday, and she was looking forward to going to assisted living. Once there dementia took over. But we did get through the hours of signing paperwork. That night my emotions of am I doing the right thing or should I have done something different etc.
I did not go visit her Tuesday or Wednesday. I did call and they tell me she is doing great, participates in activities, is friendly, very social and eats well, still hides things. I will go visit this afternoon.
Cuties thank you so much for understanding. Hugs and flowers to all, Suzanna
It's for their own safety and health and that's what is the most important, I'm so glad to read that your sister is doing well there.
Your sister's actions sound like Mum's, especially hiding things he he he. Keep your spirits up and be assured of my thoughts, love and prayers. Love Chris
UPDATE ON SANDY
Yesterday's visit was very good. I think a few days away from her was a plus. She still wants to go to her house, the bank and a few other things, but I try change the subject. At first, she did not know me, I told her I was her sister Suzie and then she accused me of going into her room and taking things. She continues to hide things; she is very attached to her purse and her clip board. We went to her room, and it was not too bad. Her clothes she likes to keep in bags not in the dresser. That’s OK with me. We went to a craft activity and made a necklace. She talked to others at the table, and she was quite relaxed (meds about an hour earlier). Staff says she is very social. The night before during the dinner time they played 50’s music (she loves that). She was the joy of the dinner time, she got up and did the twist and other dances to the music. The staff and residents love it. She seems to be adjusting, loves the 3 meals a day, and likes to do the activities. One of the directors bought her a bird feeder and put outside her window, I hope she opens the blinds and watches the birds (at home her windows were covered with sheets, towels, blankets) so no one could see in. That is the paranoia that goes with dementia. I will go see her Saturday or Sunday.
I felt pretty good about the visit, so after the visit I treated myself to Chinese Pineapple Shrimp, rice and Rangoon’s. It was so good!
I feel lots of stress has been lifted. Even my dog is not stressed now that the house is getting back to maybe normal. Tonight, I might go to my high school class reunion.
Thank you, Cuties, for your blessings and prayers. You are the best friends! Love, hugs and flowers to all, Suzanna