My brother calls to share with me what’s going on at home. At first my mom is very combative about any need to visit a doctor, or even just to give a blood sample.
My brother and sister are staying with my parents while I’m away. We thought this would be the perfect time to have someone help make sure they don’t eat before their blood test. While this seems like a simple task, with no short-term memory and no knowledge or sense of your limitations, my parents have no system to help them manage tasks like this but do not know it.
Our interest is to keep them safe and part of that process is to understand their physical and mental state. Step one was the visit with the psychologist. Step two is a physical. The blood work requested means they need to fast. My brother and sister are with them to ensure they don’t eat before the blood test.
This morning they were going to get the test and my parents said they were on board. However, when my brother gets up, he learns that my dad got up at 4 a.m. and ate breakfast. I am constantly considering how crafty they have become. Was there some element to this action to prevent the blood test from getting done?
We still have Monday. I wish them luck! Foiled.
In answer to your final question, I doubt they very trying to foil you consciously, or to actively avoid blood tests, just the dementia getting in the way of functioning in the way you needed them to on that day. I know this from experience, as sometimes no matter how many times my husband or kids tell me to do, or not do something, I simply forget, even when there are post it notes all over the house. Love more, expect less. And all take care of each other. xx
Thank you Kate. I will add “Love more, expect less” to my list of coping mechanisms!