Alzheimer's is a horrible disease which not only affects the person with this disease but also affects everyone involved in his care whether direct or indirect. Last Friday, the day after my Dad's 80th birthday, he went to live at the VA Alzheimer's unit in Ardmore, OK. This was a difficult decision for my mother, who has been his primary caregiver for the last couple of years. He went without incident, but only after he was told that this was something his family physician wanted him to do so that more tests could be run on him and he could be monitored for some new medicine. That was enough to satisfy him for the moment. His first full day was without incident, however, his second day, he became his usual argumentative self. I have not called to check on him as yet, simply because my sis and mom have been doing that and giving me an update. Today will be the most difficult for Mom as she will be returning to their home that they built--all alone. She knows this, but I don't think she is totally prepared for the quiet solitude she will feel. Maybe this is what she needs for awhile, simply because Dad has devoured her time 24 hrs a day for the last 2 years. I only hope and pray, she doesn't turn into the hermit her mother did. Please pray she will come to the realization that the mini farm and the huge house is too much for her to handle and she needs to sell and move to a small house in Ardmore where she will be close to Dad and my sister. I truly believe she will, but it's going to take some time.
Meanwhile, I need to muster up the courage to check on my Dad.
