Home » Daily Care » Activities & Recreation » Questions » My husband is late stage of Alzheimer’s and…
Print
Email
Carol Bradley Bursack, Aug 19, 2011
Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book "Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories."
He may be "seeing" people from his past, such as his mother - reaching for her hand. His memory can only live in the past, so that is natural for him. My uncle did that, but it began with him shouting his deceased wife's name. However, later, he just kept reaching and reaching. As he died, he kept reaching out as though she was helping him move on. You'll never know totally what is going on, but I think your hunch is right - a parent or a sibling from the past is on his mind and it's so real that he's reaching toward that person. Take care,Carol
(0)
Report this Post
emjo
Give a Hug
Aug 24, 2011
A friend who lost her 7 yr old son to meningitis said as they were going to the hospital in the ambulance he kept reaching out his hand. She held it and he brushed her hand away and reached out again., She asked him what was happening. His answer was "I am reaching out to Jesus." It was the last thing he said and he died not long after.
Watching a loved one die is very painful. I watched my 23 yr old son die. Getting through - I don\t say over but through - the grief is very hard, but, in time and with support the pain lessens. (((((hugs)))))((((((hugs)))))
Helpful Answer (3)
54j
Aug 25, 2011
thanks for all those who answered this for me. He too moves my hand and keeps reaching. sometime he is talking to his grandfather who died when my husband was a small boy. wish i knew what was going on in his mind. I just pray God will relieve him of this soon.
Helpful Answer (2)
yellowfeever
Aug 19, 2011
My mother is doing the same thing now quite often. Some days she has a constant mumble(sometimes sounds like she is praying) along with the reaching up. She looks to be in a full conversation with someone or something. I asked her once who she was talking too? Her speech is very bad now I normally can pick out a word to two. All I could make out was "lord" and something about church.. So its leads me to wonder if she is "seeing" God/Angels or people from past.At this end stage of Dementia mom is now in her "world". Only one could guess what she now sees or interprets. But whatever it is I do hope she is at peace in her mind. As I wish the same for your husband. Take comfort in believing he is seeing angels surrounding him. Remember, they are surrounding you as well to give you strength and guidance in this hard time.So each time he does this remember there is a "higher power" who is with us always.
May God be with you!JAMIE
Helpful Answer (1)
manyyears
Jan 23, 2012
my husband is in i would say a stage 8 in alzhimers he is only 56 he always crys when i go out to see him and he doesent seem to know who our 13 year old daughter is i guess my question is how long will he live like this its the hardest journy iv ever been on
Helpful Answer (0)
Please stay on topic or ask a new question.
Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!
Where can I find a good bra for a 90-year-old with pretty severe arthritis? Answered 11 mins ago by julieann1995
Two years this July my mother has been living with me. She is a mean and hateful woman and I just can't do… Comment 14 mins ago by brandywine1949
Should I pay off my grandma's house? Answered 16 mins ago by jeannegibbs
The Caregiver & Dysfunctional Families: How are you doing? Comment 18 mins ago by brandywine1949
The Caregiver....How are YOU doing today? Comment 20 mins ago by brandywine1949
More From The Community »
Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers
Like AgingCare.com on Facebook
To use this feature, you must be a member.
Just what a caregiver needs to make life a little easier. Join AgingCare.com for FREE!
Access the Caregiver Forum
Answers and support from caregivers and elder care experts.
Receive Helpful Caregiving Information
Articles on providing care, senior health, financial and legal matters, and more.
Create Your Personal Account
Customize your experience to see what is important to you and your unique caregiving situation.
Already a Member?
Login to your account
Screen name or email address:
Password: