On November 13, 2010 I gladly became the primary caregiver of my mother. She has Lewy Body Dementia, the second most common memory loss condition after Alzhiemers. I knew nothing about Lewy Body Dementia until I brought Mom to Indiana to live with me. My mother is a resident at the Waters of Covington, a rehabilitation center near our home. I would like to have her live with us but her care is more then one person can provide. The staff at the Waters fell in love with Mom immediately. She may be losing her memory and her ability to care for herself but she hasn't lost her sense of humor or her gentle grace. This blog is meant to be a journal of our days together.



On May 15, 2011 My Mother peacefully and fearlessly passed into the here after. Now I journey alone, yet not alone. I have a lifetime of memories.




Tuesday, April 12, 2011

New Reality

Mom is settling into a new routine, however fragile it might be. She is aware of her immediate surroundings, expresses discomfort, let's the girls know she hears them fine and they do not need to yell (lol) and enjoys the video tapes I have brought her. BUT she eats very little and her breath sounds are very congested at times. I have stopped feeding her because I am fearful of her aspirating. I don't even like being there when the NA's feed her. But I am there at supper time during the week.On the weekend I can time my visits to avoid meals.

Mom always knows me but there are times when she REALLY knows me. Then she will usually stare and smile. Other times she will close her eyes and ignore me. I try to stay long enough to insure that she is turned to one side or another. Then I go home.

I am trying to figure out how to include some exercise time into my routine. Now I go to work then go to the NH right after work. By the time I get home it is after 7:00 p.m. I need the exercising. My dr. insists that I need it. There is a place 1/2 way between home and work that I like to walk. One idea is to take my lunch hour and drive there and walk the trail for my lunch time. Another idea is to leave home an hour early and walk the trail before I go to work. Each has it's merit. I have to decide which I will like better and then get started.

Why am I journalling about my need for exercise on Mom's blog. Well, I am her only support. I have to take care of myself in order to take care of her. The last three weeks have been so stressful. I am tired ALL the time and the last two days I have woke up with chest pain (shhh -- I haven't said anything to my family about that). I need a time every day to relieve the stress. Mom will continue to decline. I need to think of what is best for my health and establish the habit now while things are relatively quiet.
Posted by at

1 comment:

  1. Kathy LowreyApril 17, 2011 at 9:43 AM

    I think it's SO important that you not only blog about your mom and the things she is going through, but also about the caregiver needs.
    We can't take care of others if we aren't in our best form.
    Sadly, I can say this all day, one day it will click with me. Right now I'm too focused on Hubby and his needs to make the effort to do something for myself. sigh
    I applaud your efforts to take care of yourself!
    You deserve it!! :)

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)