Oh Strix. Dementia is so tough on families. I'm sorry.

ION, my dad's dementia has raced ahead, and since he is physically healthy, my mom and sister can't get respite home care through Medicare. So we have made the horrible decision to put him in a nursing home.

Oh, Strix, I'm so sorry. But if he's going into memory care, and he's physically healthy, he can have a pretty good quality of life. They do know how to provide care, and it's not like it was 40 years ago when my mother worked in a nursing home. He will have activities designed for his mental state, and people who understand his condition and aren't hurt when he doesn't recognize him.

Also, the "going home" thing wouldn't even be resolved if he got to the place you think he wants to be at -- because he wouldn't recognize it. When AD patients want to go "home" what's really going on is they want to return to a state of being comfortable and not afraid or confused because of what's going on in their brains. It doesn't have much about geography, I'm afraid. So providing as much physical comfort, and reducing stress and confusion in the environment, will help a lot with that.

He may do much better than you expect, and it will give your mother some welcome respite.

My grandmother, who had Alzheimer's, spent most of her last years on the farm where she'd grown up. The place had changed over 70+ years--new buildings, electricity, plumbing, etc. She kept looking for the privy.

Also, the "going home" thing wouldn't even be resolved if he got to the place you think he wants to be at -- because he wouldn't recognize it. When AD patients want to go "home" what's really going on is they want to return to a state of being comfortable and not afraid or confused because of what's going on in their brains. It doesn't have much about geography, I'm afraid. So providing as much physical comfort, and reducing stress and confusion in the environment, will help a lot with that.

That is so true.

Woke up early, drank too much coffee, did a tiny amount of yard work, now watching old game shows. As one does.

Consuela is wise. ND and I dealt with that with his mom, and my dad's mom (who has been in a very nice nursing home for several years) also struggles with it. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with this, Strix. Please try to be kind to yourself.

Also, I'm real damned likely to be at risk for dementia myself, which is terrifying.

Oh god me too.

Man, I can't even. [link]

WTF.

So if Trump wins, I can take the bucket out of my bathtub?

Timelies all!

I'm so sorry, Strix.

Gary managed to stub his toe badly( as in probably dislocated) on the luggage stand in our room. He was coming back to bed in the dark at 3 am after using the bathroom. He has his foot wrapped in an ace bandage. Fun times...

I had a leisurely morning, did some pilates, had a late shower and just got on the computer. The first thing I saw was a FB video of the marquee at my place of work going up in flames. Holy shit!

I saw that video. CRAZY. Do you know if they were able to put it out before it caused damage inside?

I woke up early, fed the dog and then fell back asleep for a few more hours. Felt utterly luxurious.

Today is my official work anniversary - 25 years. Over half my life. Kinda nuts, but they have been good to me and, other than a few bouts of burn out back in my old position, I've been kept challenged. They used to make a big deal over people hitting big milestone anniversaries, but it doesn't seem like they do that any more. Which is kinda disappointing, but big picture not that big a deal. But I'm darned sure going to use it as leverage on Tuesday when I talk with my boss about a raise.