My cituacion very similar to Release. My husband will be 91 at the end of this year. He has Dementia. His behavior, the repetetive questioning it used to annoy me at the beginning. Now after 3 yrs. I see it, that's nothing compared other changes, that comes along as the desease progresses. Such as not wanting to take shower, or refuses to be helped to trim his toe nails. Is a blessing, he sleeps till 10:am or sometimes later. So, I can get things done such laundry, water the plants, fix breakfast etc.. Then, as soon as i hear him getting up, I have to give him his
m edication, help him to get dress and so on.Then my day stars, monitor him during the day. He also has artriatis on his right knee. therefore, he has no control on that side of his leg. I am constantly jumping for any little noise, he fell 4times in two months. Thank God, did not hurt himself. So afraid he may end up in the Hospital. Everyday is a challenge.

As I read your article I felt as if you were writing about me and husband minus the walking cane. All I can say at this point is to ask God for patience, understanding and continued compassion as we struggle with each day.

Hugs to you Marlis!!! I have 'A Day with Bob'. My Bob is healthy in body but has AD.
No physical problems. No drugs / meds.
Once he awakes...the day starts and not always good. One step at a time to get ready for the day. What goes on the toothbrush. Shaving, one step at a time. Dressing, one step at a time. I have to talk calmly and with a smile to make things go smoothly for him. Then breakfast, one step at a time. The days are long if we don't go anywhere, as he will shadow me all day. So much so that when I turn around to change directions or rooms I can bump into him. He can not take directions or do any project on his own any longer. It is all me... He walks the house round and round...pases the floor while I get ready for my day in the bathroom... sits and watches me while I do chores. Afternoons, around 4pm, he is ready to close up all the windows and shades. Especially this time of year when it is so nice, I am not ready to be closed in!
Golden Years.... no, I more agree with Starshine14 - Tarnished!!! We work, save and plan for our "Golden Years" then these things happen...no longer able to go to Alaska or other travels that we/they would mentally enjoy doing. Travel, planes, trains, cruse ships, day trips all much - much harder for the caregiver now! They will forget all that we did to make it happen and we are left exhausted and missing the enjoyment we seek as well.
One day at a time...that is all we can do. :-) Take a deep breath and RELEASE!

Your story made me remember my father, who died last year. Each morning I would hear the walker -- THUMP, step, step, step -- going down the hall. I had heard this sound for over two years. He always woke up at 7:00 in the morning. I often wished he would stay in bed just once. When I heard the sound, my day started. There was a paper to bring in, coffee to make, and a breakfast to plan. Sometimes I miss that sound, but I enjoy the extra me-time in the morning now. My mother doesn't wake up until much later.

Golden, but tarnished...Keep up your good spirit!