Decisions

As this disease progresses, the caregiver is obliged to make decisions for her beloved pwd.

Mine lost most of his executive function with the first blush of his illness. Nonetheless, he could participate in some decisions I made on his behalf.

He refused all medications in the beginning. I felt it was his right. He gradually agreed to try some, and he was very happy when Donepezil made his mind clearer.

He ceded much of the harder questions to me. When he says “she’s the boss,” however, it is only half true. He resists care and help.

In his present decline, resistance isn’t in the least rational.

He doesn’t resist in his own best interests. Not by half.

He has lost all interest in his meds and no longer tracks even the more obvious of his pills. Not so long ago, he used to know what he was taking.

I am grateful that he takes his medicine without resisting. 

On the other hand, the task of adding, stopping, or changing his regimen is onerous. I am obliged to act not just on his behalf but in his best interest.

It’s a daunting responsibility.