Fears

This week has been a good week for Jan, lots of visitors and they are appreciated so much. Her Aunt is coming to see her this weekend and we will get pictures for sure. Thank you to all of those taking the time to visit.
This is a dreadful disease, today I read a report that said that their will be 10 million baby boomers beginning to turn 65. 1 in 8 will either die because of the disease or will be living with the disease.
Being with Jan everyday I can see the changes in her and they are not good. As I have said before the basic understanding of language is about gone. Oh, I know every once and while that little window opens and we see things like her speaking or making a comment at the appropriate time. Things change very fast with this disease sometimes. I just want to scream out and say will somebody please do something to help my wife and all of these people to prevent this disease and help us maintain our loved ones. This disease is in the top 10 of diseases that cause death without prevention or cure. Just think if we could find the cure for diabetes, cancer, and dementia. Just think how much that would save. It is estimated that for Alzheimer's alone it costs 172 billion dollars a year for care and treatment. God help us..

A Few Changes

It's easy to get down as the progressive disease advances. Anyone around it should know that it is going to get worse. Jan's condition is exagerated by the fact that she can't speak. Of the residents I can only think of one that has a similiar condition as Jan. Dementia does cause speech problems for many but most have the ability to pronounce words, Jan will repeat what you say at times and it is clear, but most of the time it is just jibberish. Add to that the fact that she cannot participate in any of the activities like singing, bingo, crafts. She is not the only one in that situation but it really hurts to see that she can't do anything but walk. I would give anything if she could sit and watch a football game with me like we have for 44 years. I feel like her situation is getting worse. Her ability to follow even the minimum directions, the most common like stand here for one minute, or please sit in the chair, or use your fork, or you can hold your glass. At times she seems totally unable to understand or the ability to follow directions. This seems to me to be something that she is losing.

This past weekend I went to church on Saturday night and it was so good I went again on Sunday morning and sat with my grandchildren. It felt real good and the sermon was a powerful message that struck me dead center, but I was not alone. Life is tough, and if you don't believe it, just wait. We can be miserable like we don't understand our destination or we can be different because we know the destination. As Christians we must be an example for others in good times and in tough times because we know our destination. God Bless

Exciting Week

This past week has been a good one for Jan as she got to see two of her close friends and her mother, brother and sister-in-law were down on Saturday and it was a very good visit. Jan recognized everybody and interacted with everyone to some degree. It was fun for her from all respects. This was the first time that Jan's mother had seen her since moving here to Autumn Leaves. I was worried about the togetherness, but it all worked out great. I have some pictures.
Jan is having a runny nose or sounds like she may be getting upper respiratory infection but we are trying to get a handle on that. I hope some of her other friends will visit sooner rather than later.
With her mom we all had lunch together, not Jan, at Chilies and that group has not been together in a long time, it was fun.

I am a distraction

Jan came home with me on Monday, January 10. After her lunch at Autumn Leaves, I decided to take her home for awhile to be in a more quiet atmosphere with me and the dogs. One of the things about Jan is that she is easily distracted with anything going on or being said. If I sit with her to help her eat, she looks at me and trys to read everything and every expression on my face. It's too loud in the dinning area and that is a distraction for her. Her ability to use a fork or spoon are poor enough and you add the distractions, she struggles to eat what is on her plate. I have decided that I should not be in the dinning room while she is eating, so I leave it up to the caregivers to help her. I returned her after dinner and she was fine.
We had a 30 day review with the officials and they responded pretty good. This Autumn Leaves has not had a Director for several weeks, but the nurse and Regional Supervisor listen to my complaints and have responded to each concern.
Craig's family was up this past week and the boys were the entertainment for several residents. They were quite entertaining to me as well. Also one of Jan's longtime friends came for a visit and she recognized her and responded to her, Jan was excited.

First Trip Away

Jan has been doing so good I couldn't wait to take her home for a few hours to see her dogs so yesterday became the day. We bought lunch and headed home. First time for her to be in the car in 32 days, little chilly, but she enjoyed the ride and she did great. After lunch she sat in her chair and I wrapped her in a blanket to make her warm. She sat there for maybe 2-3 hours just relaxed and sleeping. I gave her a shower, washed her hair and got her dressed in a warm up suit and took her back about 4:30. She may have been somewhat confused by returning to home but she didn't overreact. They all welcomed her back and said we missed you and she just jabbered some sounds, smiling and it was a good day. Thank you lord.
It was very quite at the house compared to her place, so I feel like it was a good change of pace for her.