Under the broad heading of dementia care I think the most confusing part is the unpredictability as I have mentioned on another thread.
The types of dementias (yes, this IS an umbrella term) which by definition and common knowledge are destined for skill losses , often present with unexpected surprises. Not every sufferer will live to experience the "final" stages, of course.
But for those who have or are nursing in the final stage, you will know what I mean.
A non mobile patient at ANY stage might unexpectedly regain mobility. For a few minutes a few days or weeks or more.
A non verbal sufferer might suddenly join in conversation in a quite lucid manner.
Moments to treasure. Moments worth sharing. Moments worth living for.
The diagnosis. Forget it! In the later stages the original diagnosis will often be outdated. In the later stages it becomes irrelevant. By now, other parts of the brain will probably be affected in different ways.
I often wonder now why I used to want to identify which stage my caree was in. Futile! All that matters now and all that ever mattered in the past was his needs. And how I can best fulfil them.
The professionals have made amazing progress with understanding the functions of the brain. Yet they are the first to admit it is still in its infancy.
Meanwhile, we just kinda gotta do the best we can. No guidelines.
Keep them safe as best you can.
The types of dementias (yes, this IS an umbrella term) which by definition and common knowledge are destined for skill losses , often present with unexpected surprises. Not every sufferer will live to experience the "final" stages, of course.
But for those who have or are nursing in the final stage, you will know what I mean.
A non mobile patient at ANY stage might unexpectedly regain mobility. For a few minutes a few days or weeks or more.
A non verbal sufferer might suddenly join in conversation in a quite lucid manner.
Moments to treasure. Moments worth sharing. Moments worth living for.
The diagnosis. Forget it! In the later stages the original diagnosis will often be outdated. In the later stages it becomes irrelevant. By now, other parts of the brain will probably be affected in different ways.
I often wonder now why I used to want to identify which stage my caree was in. Futile! All that matters now and all that ever mattered in the past was his needs. And how I can best fulfil them.
The professionals have made amazing progress with understanding the functions of the brain. Yet they are the first to admit it is still in its infancy.
Meanwhile, we just kinda gotta do the best we can. No guidelines.
Keep them safe as best you can.