If you are living with a person with dementia and particularly this dementia, you know that your person spends much of his day in an alternate reality. There are delusions and theories that give credence to and explain them. Hallucinations are common occupants in the world of your loved one’s with LBD. Burt’s hallucinatory companionsContinue reading “Alternate world”
Category Archives: Reassurance
«Do I love you?«
I’ve just said, “I love you” in response to his conversation. I did not understand what he said. “I love you” is a standard retort. It reassures me/him. The minute after I affirm my love for him, I doubt myself. Why do I run from the room, leave his bedside mid such conversations? I stateContinue reading “«Do I love you?«”
It’s never too late
The jingle about Jello Instant Pudding® is running through my head right now, but honestly this is a serious post about a serious question. The other night, Burt, in the midst of his confusion, was lamenting how “sick” he feels. My response was to tell him that whatever was bothering him, hurting him and upsettingContinue reading “It’s never too late”
Figuring it out
Okay, this is a bit weird. One of my fears is that by the time I get the hang of caring for Burt, it will be too late. It’s a huge learning curve, at least for me. So many things to consider and do. I want him comfortable, safe, and secure. I want to love himContinue reading “Figuring it out”
Going home
It’s a mystery to most of us, but come sundown or thereabouts our pwd will fervently express a desire to “go home.” Oh, honey, good news we’re here. Burt’s response “I’ll take your word for it.” Yes, we don’t have to travel or anything. There are other occasions when he’s eager to go home. AsContinue reading “Going home”
A problem in the making?
It’s very likely that this hat rack arrangement will lose its utility soon. It is a convenience, but for Burt, it has become an issue. I knew it might be. He has begun humanizing animation on the TV and identifying with cars on the traffic cam station (FIOS 28). The other day, he asked whoContinue reading “A problem in the making?”
Like a peach
Ok. We’ve entered the clingy era. We’ve been there before but not quite like this. “I want you.” “Stay with me.” No. It is not gratifying. I would welcome his independence. I most certainly crave mine. I may have mentioned that I can no longer “reason” that I need my time to stay well forContinue reading “Like a peach”
A new approach?
Whatever I do, he can do better (I believe this is attributable to the musical Annie Get Your Gun). I have mentioned the zig zagging that winds up hi-jacking every narrative. When I think I have a path out of a delusional trip that we’re on, I need to pause. It’s easy to let selfContinue reading “A new approach?”
It’s hard to imagine
My smart and capable husband is living in a world outside of my reality. Actually, outside of any reality. He has many wives, one of which he says is not nice to him. Guilty as charged. I direct him too much. Praise him too little. Worry that something will go awry. All of this singlyContinue reading “It’s hard to imagine”
A new low
Every progression brings a new dread. Burt has Lewy Body. I remind myself, and things could stabilize or revert to an earlier…. There was a glimmer of that last night. For all his earnest outpouring of ideas and his studied tone, most of his talk made no sense. As it is so often these days,Continue reading “A new low”
this is our life 