How do I help my father with his distortion of time? My 94 year old father has come to the point that he can't distinguish time of day. Mid-day he'll think it's time to go to bed or he'll get up in the morning, wash, then start the same process all over again. Last night he put on his pajamas for dinner. I know he's at the point where he needs CONSTANT attention. Everything seems so hard, because he's positive he's right. I know it's part of the disease, but I am soooo tired.
It's all about confusion, and it's sad to watch him go through this, but it's not unusual. Please try to get a break now and then.
Carol
https://www.agingcare.com/136216
I've noticed since becoming a caregiver, the older a person is, coupled with dementia, the smaller their world becomes. It becomes a day by day existence for them. No more planning for future events like when they were younger. The future may or may not get there, and if it does they can't remember it anyway. Getting old isn't for sissies...
Norene
Dementia can really interfere with a person's perception of their world, including their interpretation of time. Sometimes, no clock, signs or reminders will change the situation. Sometimes the caregiver just needs to get help; good dependable, compassionate help, someone who understands. That may need to come in the form of professionals or may arrive in the arms of supportive friends and family members. Nobody can do this alone, nobody! Thinking it can be a solitary effort does the caregiver and the elder person cared for no favor.