Marlis, no truer words have ever been spoken. It's like being poked with a stick every few minutes. God love them and help us. :)

Marlis, I cannot imagine what you are going through... having a conversation like that would drive ME over the edge. Next time Charlie talks about a dental appointment, just tell him you will call the dentist next week to set up an appointment [even though you had already done so], and leave it at that. Smile, hug him, and walk away.

My Dad is starting to obsess over certain items, such as a certain dollar amount that is in his new health insurance account. I must have heard that story several dozens times because his health insurance is now with a new vendor after being with the same vendor for decades. Dad doesn't like change, apparently.

Windyridge, that memory clock with all the information sounds great. I think I will get my Dad one because I believe that since each day is identical to the day before, he is probably losing track of time.

I'm new to your blog but Charlie sounds much like my dad , "charlie". You may have already discovered them, but memory clocks can make a huge difference for people with dementia. It changed my dads life profoundly when I got him one of these clocks. It has the time,day month and year in big letters you can see from across the room. My dad loves it and it helps him stay oriented all day long.

I've often wanted to take the calendar away too, but I know it will make the confusion worse.. The only thing she rights on it is the time she takes 1 of her pills twice a day.. I can't write appts on there, I have to spring those on her last minute or she will obsess about the up coming appt which would cause panic attacks..

So you're not the only GRUMPY caregiver out there...LOL

yes, my father also gets fixated on certain things, like counting his money every couple of days, it bothers my mother and then she gets mad. I told her due to them growing up in depression he wants to make sure he has plenty for them to live on. and the calendars, they have one in every single room, the kitchen has 3 but yet he never knows what day it is. even though I tell my mother to put an X on the day when they go to sleep, oh she does, but only on HER calendar. and clocks, yep there is one in every room except for the bathroom.