Let's see, nine months ago I wrote my last entry. Not much has happened since then. NOT!
Dad's decline is ongoing. I think the last six months have shown significant changes. He can no longer manage to read the newspaper, he doesn't follow the stock market (huge sign he's declining) he doesn't play solitaire anymore, he doesn't listen to music at all. All these things were his life when we brought him home from Arizona. A typical day now consists of getting up for breakfast, walking to the dining room, coming back to his room, napping, getting up for lunch, walking to the dining room, going back to his room, napping, getting up for supper, walking to the dining room, going back to his room for the night. You see, he accomplishes all these things at such a painstakingly slow pace, it takes an entire day. There are periods of wakefulness when he manages the occasional haircut or shower, all with much assistance.
He also manages to find time to complain to "the highest authorities" about any number of things. Let's see....people come into his room when he's in the dining room and steal things. (He refers to plates, bowls, cups that he labels with a Sharpie with his name. All these things belong to the nursing home.) He still needs to go to the hospital where there are doctors, not nurses, that can address all his medical problems. The people at Oak Hill are keeping him there against his will because he is a paying customer. Of course they're happy to have him!
It's just sad. He has said to us more than once that he doesn't know why the good Lord just doesn't take him. He is ready. Too bad the medical community, our society, and the powers that be can't let that happen. He absolutely recognizes the fact that he is no longer productive in any way. Why would someone as productive, driven, intelligent, clever, determined, and stubborn as Leonard Schultz want to live in his present condition?
We just pray he can be comfortable. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most unfair afflictions that can happen to a human being.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Just checked in and saw your latest update. So sorry about your Dad. I have watched someone on this Alzheimers trip and it is not pretty. It really is a blessing when they finally escape.
Post a Comment