CARING FOR THE CARERS

An old lady age 104 was being interviewed by a reporter; "What's the best thing about being 104?" She said. "No peer pressure." She replied. Although there is nothing funny about old age,memory loss, dementia and alzheimers, if you are a sufferer one really must find humour. A good laugh helps us to remain balanced and sane. Although as a sufferer of dementia in its early stages, it is not surprising that one is rather focussed on one's own dismay but we must think of those who are going to care for us as the dementia gets worse and possibly turns into alzheimers. At the early level we are able to plan ahead and reflect on the challenges our carers will face. This is particularly true of alzhreimers where the challenge of almost total memory loss may have to be faced. In addition, there may be personality changes and even a previously kind person may say unkind things, or inappropriate things, perhaps even of a sexual nature. What a prospect! However it is a possibility and I only hope that I will be one of the 25% whose dementia doesn't become alzheimers. Although senility and dementia are very difficult for an outsider to accept they are realities and apart from remaining cheerful and optimistic we must all plan ahead. There is a lot of support on the internet for all those in this position and advice should be sought from organizations that exist in many areas. The weather is still cool here in Paarl for the time of year. About 26%, so still too cold for me to swim, although Boysie got me to throw his ball into the pool a few times while we had breakfast. He is always the optimist! Bobby the parrot remains silent when I am around, but said a few words this morning when I wasn't with him. Julian is threatening to sell him and get another. I told her that he was one of the children now and you wouldn't send a naughty child to the orphanage. She laughed and I know that it was an idle threat. No change in my memory this week although did forget where I parked the car on Saturday, but that's typical. It took me an hour to find it! Keep taking the tablets David. Paarl. South Africa