Dementia and Frustration

Tuesday evening late. Now I'm having trouble remembering which day of the week it is! As far as my father's knee surgery, the knee is healing very well and the crises for his overall health have seemed to work themselves out. Dementia on the other hand, is another story --- an ugly one at that. Dr. Moses has called in a neurologist for a consult to review and possibly adjust the medication currently being given to help battle the dementia. The confusion and frustration for my dad and his mental state has deteriorated in the past week.

He cannot remember for 5 minutes where he is and kept asking over and over today, claiming that no one else had told him. Though I firmly stressed that we had told him last night, he could always have an answer and then ask the same questions again. I was assured this afternoon and early evening that the neurologist would come by today but that never came to pass --- that is, as of 9:30 p.m. I left a detailed note for the neurologist asking him to give me a call. That the best I can hope for at this point.

The current plan (as of 1:30 p.m.) is to discharge my father to the VA Center on Thursday and allow him to work with the physical therapist there and accomplish as much as he can follow. I am mentally and physically exhausted and hope that after moving him on Thursday, my time can be lessened and the nursing staff at the VA will take care of him for a few days.

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes, good thoughts, and prayers on behalf of my father and our family. By the way, my four-legged patient is doing very, very well and is beginning to regain weight, purr for his mommy, and play a bit!