Sleeping more

Biggles

Just a quick question my DH 78 years old VD 6 or 7 non verbal with Aphasia is sleeping more and more particularly during the day is this a sign of further decline. He is only on high blood pressure medication. What are the signs he is reliant on me 24/7.

Carl46

It probably is part of the progression of his disease. The brain gets tired, and he probably needs the sleep.

BPS

My wife has gone through times of sleeping 22 hours a day for a few days then sleeping "only" 12 hours a day for a while and everything in between. This has been going on for over three years. I think it is progression but in our case it hasn't meant any other changes are imminent.

Biggles

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268771#Comment_268771

Thankyou it’s very concerning

jgreen

Hi, @Biggles You are in Australia? Do you have Hospice? It might be good to have them assess DH. If he qualifies, they could be a great resource for you.

Hugs and prayers. 💝

Biggles

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268834#Comment_268834

Hi @jgreen yes we live in Australia far north Queensland actually. I don't know about Hospice I'll check but I now have quite a lot of help and as my (free, face time, wonderful) Psychologist Jane said the more help you can get the more you will be able to care for your DH at home and stay sane and so far she is right.

This is what I have managed to organise. I have domestic help in the house, gardeners for outside, both fortnightly, a maintenance company I can call for light bulbs electrical problems minor carpentry plumbing etc, Lite n Easy meals delivered weekly, groceries delivered and the best is a Carer for three hours a week or more if I request it, who my DH is starting to accept. I have a Companion Card, buy 1 get 2 seats, to our local and very good Live theatre, Morning Melodies fantastic music and the pictures. I have worked hard at getting social groups around me who are kind considerate and understanding. Things keep changing but I am trying hard to stay fluid and work with the changes. I have some very low days and cry so much, but in north Queensland the sun always shines and it's tropical so there is always the green garden.

It's so nice to be able to explain my lot on this site. Children, family and friends are compassionate but have their own busy lives to lead and tire quickly of our situation. Thank you for your interest.

Biggles

PS I should have said all the help I am getting is Government subsidised otherwise we couldn't afford it and I am so thankful.

Goodlife2025

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268872#Comment_268872

Wow Biggles, I say job well done! You have put together an amazing list of supports. We assemble and prop up scaffolding for our LO but so often it is my life that could use a little scaffolding as well.

Biggles

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268897#Comment_268897

oh Goodlife it helps but doesn't change the very sad situation and I know that goes for all of us.

jgreen

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268872#Comment_268872

You are amazing, @Biggles! An inspiration to us all.

Hugs and a big pat on the back!

howhale

I found hospice a terrific resource, might I say a "lifesaver" for me and a wonderful caring support for my DW. They are so knowledgeable about the signs and what they mean. They live every day in the world of which we are all fearful and have seen it all. Reach out and hopefully you have a hospice resource in some form available. You have done a great job of building a support network to enable you to provide great care for your DH.

Dusty217

You have given me so many ideas for my future. Right now my DH is still in the early stages of this disease. I keep looking at all the things he does right now, lawn work, grocery shopping and general work around the house. I often wonder how I'm going to take on all that in the future as well as taking care of him. What you have put together for your LO and yourself I will start to plan for my future. Thank you

????

My wife was diagnosed 4.5 years ago. She is sleeping more and more. We were at her Neurologist last week. He said it was a progression of ALZ.

Biggles

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268915#Comment_268915

Thankyou I'm going looking for Hospice

Biggles

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/268918#Comment_268918

Thank you Dusty it's all work in progress because things keep changing, unfortunately never on the up always on the down. It was my psychologist that encourage me to take advantage of what ever was on offer so even if I didn't need it, eg the cleaning, when the opportunity came up I took it and have had to push myself to accept the intrusion and help but now I'm so pleased that I did. At first I found it a bit like loosing my freedom, giving up controll and yet it has actually given me strength to keep going. I think this is the biggest challenge any of us have ever had to face.

nanasharon

My counselor has suggested talking with my DH doctor about palliative care, which is before hospice.