Spiraling – Alzheimer’s in the Family

After several weeks of mom having better days, she has begun the downward spiral. I had been warned that she would crash but it was still a surprise. The spiral started over the last several days. Mom isn’t speaking to me very much and she is lost in her word find books all day until bedtime.

It is a struggle to get her to eat and when she speaks at all it’s low and hard to hear. She is sleeping about 75% of the time and is now walking away from her Rollator so I constantly have to remind her that she can’t do that. It is just a matter of time until she falls again. I’m doing the best that I can. So is she but she isn’t safe.

We had a weigh in on Tuesday and mom had lost 3.6 pounds in 2 weeks, 2 days. I weighed her again on Friday. Even with rollers in her hair she had lost over a pound since Tuesday. Her BP is around 90/62 with pulse ranging 40-52. Between her heart and other issues I don’t know how long this can go on.

She is still on the waiting list for assisted living and we’ve done all applications except for SSI at Social Security. That appointment is November 1. I’ve called all nearby offices and couldn’t get an earlier appointment. One agent told me that the powers that be ration these appointments and for me to call back every afternoon to see if a new block of appointments has been released. Bureaucracy at its finest. Seems they make it harder than it needs to be for already stressed out families. Sad.

Mom at times beaks out in forced and inappropriate laughter. It’s so odd to witness this. Her whole face has an exaggerated expression. It is both heartbreaking and weird. Alzheimer’s is a cruel disease.

Ilona has helped with mom and given me a much needed respite for a couple of days this week. This time away is much needed and rejuvenates my spirit. Even while away my phone is always on in case of a mom emergency. Mom will talk to Ilona more than me.

Mom told Ilona that I was selling her car and she needed it so that she could drive. Ilona told her that her doctor took away her driving privileges. Mom said that never happened and she is angry that I’m selling her car. Truth be told, mom’s driving was taken by her doctor in June (past due) and my son gave her the car when mom’s car was totaled. I’m simply signing it back to him as it doesn’t need to be a temptation for mom to drive. It’s all about safety and the fact that tags, taxes, and insurance are now an unnecessary expense that I don’t need to pay.

Mom also told Ilona that she isn’t happy with the current living arrangements. She still thinks she can live alone. She can’t, ever again. Ilona told her that she should be more appreciative of the sacrifices that are being made for her. I know the disease affects mom’s responses and it’s like reasoning with a 4 year old but it still causes emotional hurt.

So many challenges, so much exhaustion, so many sad days and the rare moments of glimpses of my real mom that makes me smile.

More later.