She takes the dirty clothes you’ve just loaded into the washing machine, and left momentarily, but long enough for her to come along, and transfers them to the dryer, never minding that they are bone dry and thus could not have been run through the wash cycle.
And before you can catch her, because you are busy with other work and four little children, she proceeds to then remove these same dirty clothes from the dryer, fold them, and put them away, never minding that they have bits of food stuck to them and the crusty socks still have retained their owner’s shape.
This calamity causes the daughter whose nearly 80 year old mother lives with her to race from drawer to drawer, feeling for clothes that are still warm and smelling for nasty socks, to pull out and begin the proper wash process once again. The chaos caused by all this commotion causes the elderly mother to break down in tears and retreat to her room.
Repeat above scenario with the dishwasher, and I believe your mother has Alzheimer’s.
I recently watched my mother and mother-in-law go through similar times, one with her father and the other with her mother. I don’t know why, but they both refused to get involved with any kind of support group. I urged them to. I wish they had. Good for you for doing it.
What a tough situation for all. I have always thought that this is such a sad disease in many ways, though I do remember a heart warming story of an elderly lady who used to go to our church. She was very involved in music and loved to sing. She developed Alzheimers and had to live in an extended care home in her last years but she was so at peace and what continually came out of her mouth was hymns- almost all day. I thought that was so cool. Anyways, back to your post. I will pray for you all.
[…] Jennifer in OR presents a touching moment, You Know Your Mother Has Alzheimer’s When posted at Diary of 1 saying, ” Caregiving for an aging parent certainly has its moments!” […]
I’m sure your mother appreciates the help and support. It’s hard to see someone you love go through this: the third-time repeated story, the close family names that slip away. Our best wishes to your mom and your family as you work to support each other.
Jen November 5th, 2007 at 8:31 am
Thank you, EVERYONE, for the kind comments!!! I’ll write more another time about my mom…I’m actually not sure what all her issues are, and her doctor is concerned with her increasing confusion, but it’s not a definite Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She has a lifetime history of sporadic mental instability, but there are also some Asperger-type symptoms. Right now, she has some good days, bad days, and in between days. I’m mostly okay, I’ve been caregiving since I was a child, so in a way I’m just used to this.
Grace, you’re right, it’s hard for my mom as well. She realizes that her brain doesn’t function quite right. She does best when I can get her out in the trees and mountains and sunshine, so we try to spend as much time as possible outside. She’s usually physically healthy - other than frequent migraines - and can go on little hikes and nature walks.
Been there, done that. It isn’t pretty. In her lucid moments, she probably knows that she is losing it. My mother did. We had to gently convince her that she could no longer live alone and get her into an assisted living environment where she would be safe.
I wish you all the best . . . and a lot of patience.
THANK YOU for being part of Colloquium’s inaugural edition. I appreciate your support.
Don’t forget that this week’s Carnival will be hosted at All Rileyed Up. If you haven’t submitted a post yet, you can do so until midnight (Pacific Time) tonight!
[…] my family. She loves to help put laundry away. You may find my t-shirts in my son’s drawer, dirty clothes mistakenly folded neatly into drawers, or oven mitts filed away with underwear. We work with […]
13 Responses
Your love will be rewarded. May the Lord give you His grace and peace as you care for your mother. I will be praying for you.
Oh Jen, that’s a tough road you’re on. I’m glad you’ve found somewhere to get some support. I think it’s essential.
Hugs to you~
Kathleen
Jen, it must be hard for you but also your mom. I hope you can find balance and support during these episodes in your home.
May the grace of God abound in you through this my friend. I will be praying for you.
Hugs,
Mandi
I recently watched my mother and mother-in-law go through similar times, one with her father and the other with her mother. I don’t know why, but they both refused to get involved with any kind of support group. I urged them to. I wish they had. Good for you for doing it.
How frustrating for you! I didn’t realize your Mom had Alzheimer’s. You are a real trooper. I hope your weekend goes more smoothly from here on… :~)
What a tough situation for all. I have always thought that this is such a sad disease in many ways, though I do remember a heart warming story of an elderly lady who used to go to our church. She was very involved in music and loved to sing. She developed Alzheimers and had to live in an extended care home in her last years but she was so at peace and what continually came out of her mouth was hymns- almost all day. I thought that was so cool. Anyways, back to your post. I will pray for you all.
[…] Jennifer in OR presents a touching moment, You Know Your Mother Has Alzheimer’s When posted at Diary of 1 saying, ” Caregiving for an aging parent certainly has its moments!” […]
Thank you for sharing this sensitive post with the Carnival of Family Life- bonfire edition.
I’m sure your mother appreciates the help and support. It’s hard to see someone you love go through this: the third-time repeated story, the close family names that slip away. Our best wishes to your mom and your family as you work to support each other.
Thank you, EVERYONE, for the kind comments!!! I’ll write more another time about my mom…I’m actually not sure what all her issues are, and her doctor is concerned with her increasing confusion, but it’s not a definite Alzheimer’s diagnosis. She has a lifetime history of sporadic mental instability, but there are also some Asperger-type symptoms. Right now, she has some good days, bad days, and in between days. I’m mostly okay, I’ve been caregiving since I was a child, so in a way I’m just used to this.
Grace, you’re right, it’s hard for my mom as well. She realizes that her brain doesn’t function quite right. She does best when I can get her out in the trees and mountains and sunshine, so we try to spend as much time as possible outside. She’s usually physically healthy - other than frequent migraines - and can go on little hikes and nature walks.
Been there, done that. It isn’t pretty. In her lucid moments, she probably knows that she is losing it. My mother did. We had to gently convince her that she could no longer live alone and get her into an assisted living environment where she would be safe.
I wish you all the best . . . and a lot of patience.
THANK YOU for being part of Colloquium’s inaugural edition. I appreciate your support.
Don’t forget that this week’s Carnival will be hosted at All Rileyed Up. If you haven’t submitted a post yet, you can do so until midnight (Pacific Time) tonight!
[…] my family. She loves to help put laundry away. You may find my t-shirts in my son’s drawer, dirty clothes mistakenly folded neatly into drawers, or oven mitts filed away with underwear. We work with […]
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