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Fred First's avatar

Again, your support and encouragement in this descent into oblivion are vitaminic--if I can make up yet another word! Some times in life require far more than normal wisdom, patience and fortitude. This is one of those times.

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cate kerr's avatar

Fred, I know what this journey is like for you, Ann and the family, and my thoughts are with you. A heartbreaking thing to be slowly losing someone you love deeply and have shared a lifetime with.

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David Jenkins's avatar

Thanks for sharing. I hope there are long term care facilities available when you need additional help.

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Fred First's avatar

Matter of fact: just a short walk away without going outside. We are in a good place for whatever transitions come along.

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Kathy Barron's avatar

Thank you for this first chapter of this important story.

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Sean Sharp's avatar

Fred - I so appreciate this sharing of your's and Ann's experiences with and through this. You both are in our thoughts regularly along with such fond memories of our times on Goose Creek. I think your interest and passion in / for technology (you've always been a tinkerer in these ways) might be a good help for Ann, though I do not know. Your love for her and your lives is immense and that always comes through. Thank you for sharing this with us all, too.

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Heidi Bond's avatar

Technology can still be helpful, Fred, but it has to be simple. If you Google "clocks for seniors", you will find a selection that just shows the date, time of day, day of the week in a simple to see, and read, format. One example - SSYA Digital Calendar Alarm Clock - Dementia Clocks for Vision Impaired, Elderly, Memory Loss Clock with Non-Abbreviated Clock with Date and Day (7 inch)

can be found on Amazon among other places. It can be very reassuring to those who are trying to follow the course of the day.

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Fred First's avatar

Yep, got one. She was (and continues) getting up in the wee hours and did not know if it was 3 in the afternoon or morning. This one SHOUTS all those details in your choice of four colors! I am looking now for simple apps to at least occupy some of her time, if not lead to any improvement of performance. She is ALWAYS bored and I can't dance any faster. Thanks for your suggestion!

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Barb Parrish's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story. I am visiting my mother in swva this week who is also struggling with dementia. It is a very lonely time.

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Kathy's avatar

So appreciative that you are sharing the progression of this heart breaking and frightening journey.

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