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Jeanop Asked March 2016

How to deal with my husband who has Alzheimer's, thinks he's at work and gets mad at me for not taking him to a meeting?

It is every day now, how to deal with this? He takes multiple medications that help, but this is another phase, not going away. I am taking him to Day Stay 5 hrs day 6 days a week now, when he comes home I have to watch him constantly, he is always moving things, getting in drawers, etc. He argues about everything. Because of vision problems nothing for him to do at home. Suggestions?

GardenArtist Mar 2016
Glad, I'm sorry - you're right. I do remember doing some research last year and seeing comments on extending the course to other states, western states I believe. I also remember reading something about DVDs being available.

Perhaps the program's been cut due to funding.

assandache7 Mar 2016
Garden I looked up that course and it seems its only avaiable in MI..

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GardenArtist Mar 2016
Jean, contact the closest Alzheimer's Assn. and ask if they schedule the Creating Confident Caregivers free classes. If not, ask if a DVD is available. I took this course even though neither of my parents had/have it, but I found it invaluable for dealing with elder issues regardless of diagnosis.

Jeanop Mar 2016
I have tried saying meetings are rescheduled, they will pick him up later, etc. He seems to be getting further into the dementia. Because of the brain not understanding what the eyes see, there is depth perception problems, he can't read or even see a spoon to eat with sometimes. Eating is becoming "messier". If he is really into another "realm" there is no redirecting.

Eyerishlass Mar 2016
Maybe try redirecting his attention. If he's rummaging through drawers looking for something ask that he "organize" the drawer. I don't know about you but I have a junk drawer in my kitchen. Batteries, a broken camera, lighters, pens and pencils, some photos, a couple of nightlights that need bulbs, etc. Maybe he can "organize" a drawer for you. Take things out, rearrange things, put things back in, etc. It should be a drawer that he can mess around in without misplacing important items. If someone were to organize my junk drawer I wouldn't know the difference!

gladimhere Mar 2016
Can you tell him he was already at the meeting or that they called to reschedule and it is tomorrow or a couple of days away instead? Depending on how far he is into his dementia this may help.

GardenArtist Mar 2016
Can you create some work type projects for him to do at home that will help him think he's working? What was his profession before retiring?

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