Read diary

Comments from the community:

So sorry to hear this has happened to your Mum. It is sometimes the case that the dementia is actually caused by small strokes (TIAs) which cause damage in various parts of the brain. A stroke after diagnosis can be just a larger version of what has already happened. Of course it may not be the case with your Mum but is certainy true of mine.

Rehabilitation certainly takes a lot of concentration and recovery depends on rehabilitation. If you ask the physiotherapists they may be able to give you a copy of the exercises they do with your Mum uso you can help her do them whenevr you are with her.

I agree that she will now go through many indignities but there is no other way. I know with Ray and his shower nurses they do all they can to maintain his sense of dignity. They are kind and gentle and foster his sense of independence as much as they can.

We mourn each loss that our love ones suffer, wishing to turn back the hands of time, but in the end find acceptance, as they themselves do.

(((Hugs))) from Sue.

Written by suew, 28. Jan 2008 09:47 PM

Carey my heart goes out to you.I am so sorry that you are having to face this next challenge with your mum.I remember a couple of times in the past when we have contacted via e-mail that you said that your mum had taken some sort of turn and was not herself for a couple of days. At the time we discussed the possibility of them being TIA's. They may have been the lead up to her stroke as Sue suggested in her response to your message.
I hope that you are able to organise rehab for your mum soon and it is a good idea like Sue said , to get a list of the exercises so that you can help work with her.
As difficult as it is for you to know that staff have to use lifting machines to move your mum when caring for her,at least they have this equipment and the staff qualified to be able to cope with the changes in your mum's needs.
Carey, please take care of yourself. This has not happened to increase your guilt about the choices you have had to make regarding your mum's care. I believe this would have happened no matter where your mum was at the time and thinking back to when dad had his stroke,having your mum a resident in the care facility that she is in can be of a major assistance to you and your mum because they have the necessary equipment and training to be able to give your mum the best care possible until she gains back some areas of independence she had prior to the stroke.
Please keep us posted as to how she is and how you are coping.
Sending hugs from Lisa

Written by leslie, 29. Jan 2008 12:35 AM