I know now that Dad cannot live
alone anymore. He's been in and out of
the hospital several times for the same problems. Each time, a little bit more of him is gone. The doctors tell me that he has a condition
known as dementia, and that it's not safe for him to live alone. At this point, he will go for some rehab
until he gets a little stronger. After
this he will have to go to a nursing facility with around-the-clock care.
While he was in rehab, I was able to
find a nice nursing facility for him. They were very helpful in all aspects of the
transition for him. Dad is now angry
with me. He does not want to be in
"this place". He asks me why I
put him here. I tell him that it's not
me, but the doctors that would like him in a safe place while getting
stronger. He asks me things about the
need for a wheelchair, why he can't use his walker, and why they have to help
him all the time. I just pretend a lot
to keep my sanity at this point, because I hate to see him so agitated. In his mind, he can walk and take care of
himself. The reality of something so
debilitating robbing him of his independence, is very difficult to deal with.
He doesn't understand that he is in a facility like this so he will be "safe".
Some days are better that others, but
I always feel so helpless. We talk about
old times, and these are the times when he is the happiest. I want to shake him though, and ask
"Dad, are you in there?" I'm
grateful that he still knows me when I go to see him, but also know that there
may be a time when this too shall end.
No comments:
Post a Comment
We'd Like To Hear Your Comments