The Devil's in the Dementia

Life is absurdist theater when there's dementia in the dwelling.

[devilsinthedementia]

She had a "delightful" time at the ER. Everyone was so "nice and lovely" and she thoroughly enjoyed the outing.

[devilsinthedementia]

Mom: So did you volunteer for this or did someone ask you to do it? Me: Oh, I volunteered.

[devilsinthedementia]

Mom: What is wrong with that child? Me: He’s fine, it’s the isolation. Child: -wild animal noises-

Image from the National Park Service

[devilsinthedementia]

Mom: I guess my mother could drive me home. Me: How old are you? Mom: 19, no 20 Me: We should all be so young.

[devilsinthedementia]

So we can run naked down Main Street?

Mom

[devilsinthedementia]

I have aged.

[devilsinthedementia]

Today mom forgot how a seatbelt works.

[devilsinthedementia]

Mom talking to my brother: C. is doing well. I think I was married to him at one point. 

[NOTE: 49th wedding anniversary is this year]

[devilsinthedementia]

Dad: I’m a chemist you know. We used to have ether parties.

EVERYONE IN SURGERY PREP: O_O 

Image is from Curious George Book by Margaret and H.A. Rey

[devilsinthedementia]

Dad (from his bed): M.! HELP!

Me: *Goes to bedroom, looks* Dad, did you call because your feet are uncovered?

Dad: Yes.

Me: *Pulls covers over his feet*

Dad: You’re my favorite daughter.

Me: *snort* I’m your only daughter. Sweet dreams dad. [The favorite daughter comment is a long running joke]

C: Did grandpa just call for help because his toes were uncovered?

Me: Yes.

C: *side eyes grandpa*

Image: https://archive.org/details/tuttelepartidelc00fial

[devilsinthedementia]

Dad [loudly]: Morning!

Mom [groggily]: Morning

Dad: Is everyone alive?

Mom: I believe so.

Dad: Well, get up and check! If we lose one person, it’s detrimental to the whole group! We need to get driving.

Mom: Driving to where, Chuck?

Dad: OH! I’m dreaming. Go back to sleep.

[devilsinthedementia]

Mom: The light is wrong in the backyard.

Me: Are you criticizing the sun?!

Mom: Yes! It’s not where it’s supposed to be.

[Note: sun is fine]

[devilsinthedementia]

Soooooo much fun. Dad didn't want to go to hospital because "I'LL NEVER COME HOME! YOU'RE TRYING TO GET RID OF ME!" Uh, dad, if we were trying to get rid of you, we would not be sending you to the hospital.

[devilsinthedementia]

Mom: I am embarrassed to ask but what is the man in the hospital to me?

Me: You married him. AND procreated with him.

[devilsinthedementia]

Dad: A., if you were to die I would never remarry. Well, I shouldn't say never.

[devilsinthedementia]

Welp.

Since we last met our intrepid daughter: parents have been kicked out of assisted living because of father's "noncompliance". Daytime caregivers have been engaged for care and cooking. Nightshift involves lots of ups and downs. It has been too much. Therapy & medication have been implemented for daughter and bursting into tears for no reason has halted. All to say - there has been no energy for posts.

[devilsinthedementia]

I’m not drugging him into submission, I’m easing his discomfort and bringing him peace.