Hello again
The way I believe in treating mom is through what I call the 5 senses approach. Treat the whole body, Treat the mind.
The senses: Sight Sound Touch Taste and Smell
Sight
What I buy for her, the fruit, the different colours of each fruit. Not the outside of them, but the inside. The red of a red papaya. The yellow of a mango. The gold colour of a gold kiwi. The strawberry, the rich green of the avocado. Each of these illicitness a strong response within mom's brain. The colours of the food I make for her. Bright
Sound
My voice, a calm welcoming sound, the music I play for mom. Jazz, soft R& B Music she grew up with and the sounds of today's Jazz
Touch
Holding mom's hand. Applying lotion, the spa treatment. Helping her to bend her legs with a gentle touch. Brushing her hair, touching her face. And giving her hugs. Just standing there holding her hand while she falls asleep. Washing her hair
Taste
The fruit I bring her, each has it own unique taste. The chocolate she likes daily. The spices I use in the meals I make her. The many different drinks she has. The desserts I make for her.
Smell
The lotions I have for her, each fruit, the tea I make for her. The meals I make for her, spices. The different drinks she has.
All combined helps mom out greatly. It stimulates different areas of her mind. Helping to reduce the symptoms of her Dementia and keep her mind active.
So today being Friday, it was another day to wash her hair. We only have a few days a week that we can get to use the tub room. So right after we have dinner and do the dishes, it is off to the tub room.
It was the same old thing again tonight, having to go into the laundry room and dig mom's clothing out. Not only have I thrown my back out I can also be subjected to air born viruses, germs from the other peoples clothing, fecal matter, urine etc... that lives on the cloths that are in the laundry bags.
Some residents do get viruses, have different illnesses.
So something needs to be done about this and quick. I can`t and won`t continue to dig through the laundry without getting very upset.
Anyways, I quickly finished the spa treatment and gave mom the drinks she wanted.. Then it was bedtime for mom. As always I just hold her hand, while she has a huge smile on her face, and stand their and wait. Wait for her to fall asleep. To let go of my hand.
I really don;t want to leave at night. I think it is to early to leave. I want to stay longer. But I can`t I need to leave at a certain time. And I really feel guilty about this.
I really do. It is very hard for me. Especially lately. I feel I should of all ready been living out their. I can`t do as much as I could do for mom by spending 7 hours a day on the bus.
I pray everyday for something good to happen. Besides the fact I pray that mom stays healthy and happy. I pray for a miracle Trust me I am looking, l am putting up the flyer`s all the time. Crap, I must of put up at least a couple of dozen. Yes they will also be taken down. But I am still, when I can, putting them up. I have stopped praying for anything. Not worth it. But will keep thanking GOD for mom`s health and happiness. I know she would be happier if I lived out their and was able to visit more often. As in during the day.
I DON`T KNOW!
I only now pray for mom. I am done with this.
GOD bless and good night
Kristopher W. A. Schmuland
