Mom's corner

Mom was being chatty when getting up for her shower. Most mornings are a foggy affair, but today was very different.

Since mom is on Hospice one of the benefits of Medicare is that every 30 to 45 days we can place mom into a skilled facility for 5 nights. This break gives Shannon and I an opportunity to tend to other things like work, doctor's appointments, caring for other family, or even some time away. Mom usually comes back in good spirits but almost always needs a shower to get her back on schedule. She was a regular chatter box Friday.

Got mom out of the house and went to Shannon's parent's house for a cookout. She enjoyed watching all of the people.

Mom is funny. Shannon usually gives her a shower after she comes home from Respite. What is amazing is that she is very chatty, no idea what she is talking about, but she has a story to tell.

With Dementia you don't get to pick the time when they want to shine through a little bit. You just take the moments as they come.

As we were walking mom back from the restroom she just started singing. It is these brief moments that make our day, and we like to celebrate them.

Mom was being chatty before dinner.

We were fortunate to have Mom's brother and sister come to visit. Listening their stories was such a blessing.

Getting mom up and ready for the day can be a challenge at times. Sandra says little anymore and spends a lot of her day just staring off into nothing.

When a loved one has dementia it is easy to assume that their intelligent self has left the building, but in reality all of the wiring has gotten messed up. On occasion she will have clear moments where she recognizes a few names.

We went to get mom up this morning and she was jabbering up a storm. I tried to catch it, with minimal success.

Shannon was able to get mom to talk a little bit after dinner.

We have mornings where her tremors are so bad she zones out and doing simple things like eating are nearly impossible.

We enjoy these brief moments of clarity.

We celebrated my father in law's birthday. Mom was able to go with us and got to eat some home made ice cream. Background audio: My FIL's brother got some unexpected bad news that a friend had passed...

Mom has been having a good day.

Mom and Shannon were due for a haircut. Ellen was amazing as usual.

Unfortunately mom becomes chatty at the weirdest times. Tonight Shannon got her going, there are pieces of her old self still inside.

Getting mom ready for dinner and she started talking up a storm.

Dementia doesn't stop the necessary chores of daily living. Getting her here takes effort, but her hair dresser is amazing.

Shannon got mom to start talking just before bed.

Evening time is the time that mom starts talking

Full moon, and surprise mom isn't going to sleep.

Dementia makes a person revert back to a childlike state.

Just a lazy Saturday you never know if she is going to chat your ear off or try to put the phone in her mouth.