Comments on: Aches, Pains, Dementia and Aging – A Bad Combination

By: Valerie Johnson

Valerie Johnson — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 12:49:56 +0000

Betty J – these are all good suggestions, many of which we already have in place. Gladys has a bedside commode with the handle bars and also has a raised toilet seat with handle bars in her bathroom. All of her gowns have been shortened, but she still manages to wet them on the toilet. She wears disposable underwear but at some point during the night she takes them off and doesn’t remember doing so.

One of the problems we have is that about three months before Gladys had her stroke, we downsized and purchased a three story town house. So when we moved Gladys here, we converted the first floor into a living area for her (she can’t climb steps). We sleep on the third floor. I usually check on her about twice every night but I won’t wake her because when she is awakened after falling asleep, she is extremely disoriented. She gets up during the night to use the commode but sometimes she doesn’t make it.

I will add you to our prayer list. I hope your employer will work with you on your hours or you can find an employer who will.

By: Betty J

Betty J — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 20:50:53 +0000

With my Mom, I wake her up when I have to use the bathroom (during the night) and we waltz into the bathroom. I use a short nightshirt (on purpose) so I can help pull her disposable briefs up and down easier. To help with her balance, I also have Mom use the “handlebars” we have installed on the toilet to raise/lower herself. After Mom urinates, we waltz back into her bedroom and I re-tuck her back into bed.

Please keep me in your prayers as I *TRY* to find a job that works better with the daycare hours. Currently, I’m scheduled to be off by 7pm or 7:30pm *every* shift I work. The daycare closes at 6:30pm and my supervisor won’t work with me. After 20 yrs with the company, I’m *MORE* than ready to get a job where I get off earlier, so I can pick up Mom myself and not have to juggle Mom-sitters for each shift.

By: Hattie

Hattie — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:47:45 +0000

All excellent suggestions, and I will carry through with them. Thank you so much. This is real help.

By: Valerie Johnson

Valerie Johnson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:08:31 +0000

Hattie – this is a tough one. If the couple’s minds are still sharp can a case worker or their children make them do anything. If their children are afraid of them, I don’t think they will take any action. Do you think they would listen to their doctor regarding their health?

As far as their house is concerned, if you could talk them into having the house appraised, maybe that would help them see the light as to the value of their home and the state of the housing market.

By: Valerie Johnson

Valerie Johnson — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:01:34 +0000

Judy, one of the things I am trying to do now is take a nap when I can. Also, I’m learning to take a day off – when my husband is home or my daughter is at the house, I just take it easy and let them tend to Gladys. I’m always amazed at how much my body appreciates the rest.