It has been along while since I last posted anything. Lots of changes recently. The place my dad was living wasn't the perfect place for him after all. Alzheimer's is so tricky, you just never know what is to come next.
He was in a group home in a perfect little neighborhood not far from my mother and my neighborhood. There is two little Asian women on staff at all times. My dad became combative when it was time for diaper changing and showers. They are too small to take control of him and he was winning the battle. Long story short, the owner asked my mom to find another place for him. We were devastated. He was in his comfort zone there and to move him would mean that he might have a set-back.
We prayed about it. My mom found a place in Mesa that specializes in dementia care. They have 10 little cottages and each cottage has 10 bedrooms. This place seems like it would be better for him. She decided it was a good place for him so we transferred him. The old place never took him outside and this new place has a green grassy courtyard that he will get to enjoy as he sits in his wheelchair and enjoys the sun on his face.
For the last 6 months my dad has had these terrible little ticks that make him clinch his teeth and tighten the muscles in his face while his eyes roll back in his head. Since he has moved to the knew place, the ticks have increased. The Dr. said they are mini seizures. It is so scary to watch him go through that. It looks so painful. They don't know why he has them. They have him on a heavier medication. It is heartbreaking.
You never know what is going to happen from day to day. Expect the unexpected with Alzheimer's disease. Each person is different how they react. It is such a cruel disease. We just want our dad back.
