Mom slipped into 90-proof dementia sometime during the past two weeks. She used to say something wacky just once a week. Then it became twice a week. Then . . . well, you get the picture.
Binta came on Tuesday and Thursday this week. Mom declared her a "lovely woman." Whew!
I thought that Mom would be so tired after four hours of paid companionship that she would nap after Binta left at 2 PM until I arrived with our grandson. Nope!! Fortunately, Phil arrived home early on Thursday, at 5:15. Mom was halfway down the driveway, leaning on her cane and talking with a passerby--a saint out walking her dog--about calling the police. She said she did not know any of "those people" who live in "that house." She had gotten past the deadbolt, propped the storm door open, and sallied forth in search of help. Mom recognized Phil after he mentioned my name and our wedding 46 years ago in Meadville. She returned to the house willingly. He found Georgie, her cat, wedged tightly under Mom's furnace in the garage. Georgie emerged when he called her.
Oh gosh. That has to be tough on your nerves! I never thought about how different this "care giving journey" could be for so many till after my mom and reading about yours and other friends dealing with their parents. It is a tough road to travel. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteGlad the neighbor was there talking to her to slow her down a bit. So scary.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law is very confused, too. It is sad and frustrating all at the same time.
Thank goodness I didn't experience any of this with my parents, but I did with my grandmother. She would be fine and then just sort of slip into a different dimension and be confused about so much. Bless her heart...she was 94 at the time and still driving!! After many strange incidents and a dozen calls from the police dept. (she would be found wandering down the highway at 3 in the morning in her nightie) I had to put her in an assisted care facility. I can understand a lot of what you're going through. You're handling it like a pro. Bless you!
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