Follow
Share

I lost my mother 2.5 yrs back and ever since i have been the primary caregiver of my father who had a massive brain haemorrhage which left him left side paralytic.
He's cognitive skills have declined and he is usually in a bad bad mood out of boredom.
He used to enjoy the stock market and reading newspaper and kept himself occupied but all of a sudden he doesn't want to do either. I understand he's bored and lonely but it gets difficult for me to engage him in a conversation since he lashed out at me for everything.

I'm pregnant and it gets difficult at times to manage my own health and his.

What kind of activities can I engage him with? I'm really lost! Oh, he feels that I have taken away his authority which is what makes him hate me.

Any advice?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
My Mom was an advid reader. She blamed her glasses on the reason she was having problems. Doctor says its not her eyes, its the Dementia. Its how their brain is processing. Your Dad may not be able to read something and process it and is aware of it. So he gets depressed. I would try talking about anything but don't beat up yourself up. Sometimes just let them be.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Tough spot, but there's a lot you can do!
First work on your mindset. Expect a decline and worsening of the situation, plan for it and be ready. It will be even more challenging when the baby arrives. Sometimes accepting allows us to get over the "living the problem" toward "solving the problem"
2. What's your support network like? Other family, friends, caregiving help, community, etc. You are going to need help. Start building your team now!
3. Talk to him constantly, about things he used to enjoy. Engage w him and let him lash out, he needs to do that, agree with him on some of it, and talk him thru others.
4. Find out what daycare programs are available in your area he can qualify for.
5. Read to him or listen to music together. Sometimes that helps a lot.
6. Most important, and this is for you: Stay positive no matter what, he will feed off your energy! Be patient with yourself, talk to someone about what you are going through and vent out. You'll feel the diff instantly, then get back to problem solving mode.
You can do this! :-)
Best,
Claudio
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter