And spending more and more time in bed. He doesn't even get up to eat, only to use the bathroom. Should I insist that he get out of bed? or should I make him get up for meals? This is all very new to me and I'm unsure how to handle these situations. I usually have to force him to take his meds and shots, otherwise he simply doesn't do it. It's difficult to know where to draw the line, as he isn't really disabled and is quite capable of taking care of himself. He often puts his shirt on backwards or inside out, he often wears two pairs of pants and two belts at the same time. Do I try to correct these things or allow him to discover the mistakes himself? I would appreciate any advice, please.
Recently the doctors had eliminated one of my father's blood pressure pills and I was surprised to see Dad more alert and thinking more clearly. You never know.
"Concerned about elderly mother sleeping most of the day. Any advice?"
There are others here with a lot more experience to answer your questions than I, so I'll just offer a few suggestions.
He could be overwhelmed with the changes he's experiencing, even if he's not cognizant of all of them. He could be depressed. He could also just be tired for some other medical reason.
I think trying to establish a routine would be really helpful; it'll provide some control, some baseline activity, for him.
He might be physically able to take care of himself, but the connection between the physicality and the mental ability is breaking down. This is an area in which he can use help.
I wouldn't necessarily try to "correct" his mistakes but rather offer to help him. To the extent he's cognizant of his new limitations, "helping" might only make him feel more cognizant of his loss of mental control.
What were his interests, and to what extent can he still participate in those activities? That might be a start. You may have to spend some time planning his day, alternating stimulating activities (such as puzzles) with restful activity such as listening to music.
If he doesn't have any physical limitations, try to get him to walk, not only because it's just good to be outside in the fresh air but also so that he doesn't lose his strength.