@arpie @June1952 I feel for you both dealing with the effects of this disease on your life partners. My heart goes out to you. I’m in awe of your patience and care.
my mum is 88 and has quite advanced vascular dementia. My sister and I were concerned about her eating habits a couple of years ago (we were discovering food in the fridge well past due by dates, mould, and her cupboards were so full they were impenetrable). She had a fall at the start of Melbourne’s first lockdown and ended up in hospital. No broken bones but severe pain and pneumonia! She returned to her home between lockdowns and we arranged 24/7 carers to keep her safe, fed and entertained. She doesn’t feel thirst, hot or cold, her short term memory is shot, she doesn’t remember she has a carer most days, but she enjoys a coffee and cake at the café and going to concerts (now she can), but her mobility is deteriorating.
I wanted to understand more about the disease and its progress and found a free online course called Understanding Dementia by Wicking Dementia - part of uni of Tasmania. It has helped. They are running another in July.
Last year my sister came across a series of helpful videos on YouTube- Dementia Careblazers - looking after your loved one with dementia. Really practical, kind tips to help you in your interactions.
