Tonight was our monthly Alzheimer's support group meeting. My Dad has dementia. There's a fine line between Alzheimer's and Dementia. There characteristics are very similar as much as they are different. I have been his caregiver since he moved back to Escondido in 2003. He was diagnosed by his doctor and was very aware that he would worsen. He lived in his own apartment for the first year and a half. He was just under a mile away from my home. I spent each day with him, making sure that he ate, got his medications and all of his needs were met. He did very well but it was becoming noticeable that he needed 24 hour assisted living. He was aware of the move and he was ready. He made the final decision to live where he is now. I have to say that this made it much easier for me to move him. He lived in the assisted living part of the facility for just over a year, until April 2nd. I enlisted two of my brothers to help me move him.....this time without his knowledge. It was so very hard for me to do, but it had to be done. He is now in the Alzheimer's lock down area at the same facility. He was starting to wander away from the facility. They watched him as he walked away, following him and noting that he was continuing further until they finally stopped him and redirected him back to the facility. I couldn't move fast enough at this point.
The support group has been such a big help for me as I was feeling guilty, even though I knew it was the right thing to do.
I have gone back to work (now that my treatments are finished) at the facility, driving the bus for them. I enjoy it very much. I get to see my Dad each day and spend a little time with him. Sometimes he will even join me for a scenic bus ride.
It's been a roller coaster ride, but I think that things are getting back to a smoother pace now.
I received employee of the month for January!! Here is the picture that my boss took. My hair is getting longer. Much longer than this picture. I will get an updated picture soon.
