I was perusing the official state traffic website again, zooming in on roads and highways, and I looked at the route to IKEA. As I zoomed in, I saw that UDOT helpfully provides a map of the interior of IKEA's building as well, with the restrooms and cafe marked. I knew it was a big building, but I didn't think it needed official traffic guidance. However, they did not show how heavy the congestion was at the Swedish meatballs or cashiers.

However, they did not show how heavy the congestion was at the Swedish meatballs or cashiers.

See, that would be useful information!

The facility has a support group once a month for family of people with dementia, and I'm trying to round up Tim and the bros and SiLs to go. I think it will be helpful.

That would be a very good plan. Even one or two helpful hints from experts could make a big difference.

Brenda - that puppy is adorable. Fingers crossed for you.

My grandfather had a bit of the inappropriateness with his dementia, which was definitely depressing, because he was never that kind of person. Fortunately, once he was in the facility, I don't think he had the kind of meanness that can develop. He was just an escape artist.

I am steroided. It is not a procedure with any dignity, I will say that. Just envision getting a shot above your tailbone, and go from there.

Twilight sedation throughout, which mostly meant I could answer when they asked if something hurt. But the most painful part of the process was the IV, and now I just lie on the couch for the rest of the day.

I have come to that point in the day when there is no way left to put off cleaning the bathroom. Bah.

I hope it helps, Dana.

I have nothing to offer but support for anyone dealing with dementia. It's so hard on everyone.

The pain management doctor who gave the shot today said that all of my other discs look great! Which I guess is something.

I left work before 10 and have been in bed since. Mostly asleep, but waking up with most work emails to make sure they did not need me to correct anything for closing.

Now mac is up and we have both had bowls of plain white rice to see how we do.

I hope it helps, Dana.

However, they did not show how heavy the congestion was at the Swedish meatballs or cashiers.

Google Maps might.

ETA: And I hope the rice works out okay, msbelle. That sounds very like what I had a month ago, and that was miserable while it lasted but went away without appreciable drama.

Steph, one of the things I read when we were dealing with my grandfather is that caregivers have to keep in mind that people with dementia cannot learn any more - they cannot learn what is appropriate or not appropriate. That's not really helpful when they say something racist or sexist and you're sitting there trying to decide what to say/do. We've all got a knee-jerk response to correct their behavior, but they're not like kids with whom you have to teach what is and is not right.

I don't have any solutions, I'm afraid, but you have my deepest sympathies.