There Isn't Anything Wrong With Mom He Told Me
Sure Patti Jo would repeat stories over and over but she didn't forget important things and knew who all of the people in her life were. To her son who lived quite far away and only saw mom every year or so it was easy to dismiss the symptoms.
Someone In The Early Stages Of Dementia Can Fool A Lot Of People
It's really easy to fool someone over the phone. Especially if the person on the other end of the line does most of the talking. Even coming for a short visit, mom can pull the wool over your eyes.
Let's face it, you want to believe that everything is okay,right? Then you can go back home and continue your life without worry.
That Is Until A Crisis Happens
You can stick your head in the sand if you want to. However, if the people who see her often are telling you they are concerned, you might want to listen. Or a the very least, check out the situation for yourself.
That Means Come for A Visit
And not a short visit. Someone with dementia, especially in the early stages can fool you. Mom wants you to believe everything is okay. She is going to do everything she can to make you believe that.
This Is What You Need To Do
Come for at least a week. Tell your sibling to back off and let you be alone with Mom so you can get a sense of what is going on.
The First Few Days Just Observe.
Let Mom do everything. How does she manage with cooking, getting around, driving etc? It will be really hard to do. You inclination will be to jump in and help. Chances are you want to do things for her. But understand, doing so will not allow you to see what her day to day life is really like.
How does she manage at the grocery store? Is it difficult?
Does she remember what she came to get?
What about her medications?
Are they organized?
Does she have a system in place?
Does she have empty pill bottles lying around?
Or maybe several full bottles of the same medication.
Look up the medications on the internet to understand what she is being prescribed. If possible have an appointment scheduled with her doctor so you can go with her.
Are there bills stacking up that haven't been paid? This is another red flag that something may be amiss.
Talk To Her Neighbors
Most neighbors don't like to get involved in someone else's life. But if you approach them and ask if they have noticed anything unusual you may be surprised at what they tell you.
The key is, you and your siblings both want the same thing. You want mom to be safe and you want her to be happy. Take the time to visit with an open mind.
Pat Mack has been helping families make the right decisions to care for someone they love since 1997. Email Her Today for more information.