Ok, it's been a while since my last post but I had to think this through. I don't want any of my posts to sound like I'm complaining because I'm really not. My husband is my sounding board as he listens without judgments and not too many comments. But for this to have the desired effect, for me and others, I think I still need to write it out.
I've come to the conclusion that Parkinson's and Alzheimer's have a lot in common. Dad doesn't totally zone out but he does forget things and the rehashing doesn't always bring the same results, but usually does. I've started calling these things "Parkinsonian Events".
Dad owns a house in Baltimore that we would have held onto but it has become problematic and he has decided to sell it. I told him that Rick and I both thought that was a good idea, all things considered. The next day he called and wanted to talk to Rick who was at work. He said he wanted to ask him what he thought about selling the Baltimore house. The next day he called and asked if we wanted to handle the sale. NO! Get someone who LIVES in Baltimore and knows the area. We are about 3+ hours away. I think that issue is settled for now.
Yesterday Dad called and told me "the Louisiana relatives should be here Friday around noon, now when are you leaving for Missouri"? We're leaving on the 21st right after church. "And when are you going to Texas?" From the 12th to the 16th of September. This afternoon he called..."now, the Louisiana bunch is due here tomorrow around noon right?" Yes, that's what you told me yesterday. "And you and Terri are leaving for Missouri when?" The 21st. "Your going to Texas by yourself when?" The 12th through the 16th of September.
Another development is Dad is so afraid of forgetting to dispense his meds properly or order new prescriptions, that I've taken over that task for him. All the meds are at my house and I take care of all reorders and pick-ups. We have two containers that hold a weeks worth of pills. On Mondays I take a new (full) one and bring home the empty one. Then repeat the following week. His concern today was "what's going to happen while you're gone?". Well, I'll leave two full ones so there won't be any lapse while I'm gone.
It's funny because, with my Mom's issues, she and Dad often say things that cause one to look at the other as if what they just said is totally off the wall. Part of the problem is that her long tern memory is shot and his short term memory is likewise. Mom goes shopping with my daughter every week and, more often than not, Dad will call while she's gone!
My daughter is a life saver and a joy! She lives about 1/2 a mile from my parents. She takes Mom shopping EVERY week. She can do her own shopping in about one and a half hours including travel time. With Mom, she is usually gone over 4 hours. Mom can't walk very fast and, even though it's just her and Dad, she has to peruse every isle and buys way too much. Terri is compensated by the fact that Mom fills up her car's gas tank and they go through some drive-thru for lunch on the way home. Terri also cleans their house every other week as Mom just doesn't see as well as she used to so a lot of things get missed.
I'm glad the relatives are coming tomorrow as they will keep the parents occupied and give them something to do besides worry... for a few days anyway.
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