Saturday Field Trip

Mom, Eric, and I went on our field trip yesterday to Chancellor Gardens.  It was good, informative, but very overwhelming.   The staff can do an assessment of dad after the holidays, to see where he is with the disease, and determine if/when there is a good fit for him there.  We were also told we could bring him to some activities, and even come and eat lunch there.   They are are so willing to make sure the family and the patient is as comfortable as possible, but don't want them to be there if it is not needed, or maybe not the right spot.  So, we will start doing some of those things in January and see where it goes.   Dad was really out of it yesterday.   Fred and Chad brought him a loaded burger from Wendy's, and he chowed down on it, but then went back to the couch and slept.  I don't think he even knew who we were.  Chad went to say good-bye, and dad didn't respond at all.  Chad, being Chad, stared at him for a few minutes and said, "Awkward", while using his gratuitous air quotes.   Kinda funny.  Mom was in a good mood yesterday, said she was glad she went to the location, and at least we are starting to look at some things for dad.  I told her our main concern was her and dad.   It's tough looking at this stuff and not thinking about what I want.  I have to step back, and remind myself this is all about dad, mom, their comfort, what is too much, etc.   The last few days have been pretty good for mom, but she has had Ann there to help, and she was also able to get out of the house.   That's how it goes.   A few bad days, and she has had enough.   Then, a couple of good days.  I guess he was pretty restless last night.  Not mean, just up and down.  By the way, this is called Sundowners.  It's very common in Alz patients, and starts showing up in the evenings and through the night.  Something about the correlation of the sun (or lack of, in the winter and at night), and the brain that doesn't click.   I guess when we know more about what causes this ugly disease, we will be able to know more about how the lack of sunlight affects the brain.   Come to to think of it, even in people without Alz, lack of sunlight develops into depression, so I guess it makes sense.  Will continue to update everyone.