I'm home with my FIL & 6 year old. My FIL has Dementia, and my 6 year old has Asperger's. It's comical and frustrating at the same time. My FIL has trouble hearing, doesn't relate to half of what is said (even though I really try to simplify my statements) and is constantly repeating his stories ... from 2 minutes ago. I know to expect this, but it's compounded by my son. My son has social problems, is always interrupting, doesn't understand why grandpa isn't answering him, and the two of them just keep talking over each other!
At first I posted this question to get ideas of things to do with him, but now I think I'm really just laughing at the situation.
Who else has been here? I'd love to read some funny stories.
Oh, gosh. You guys are so sweet. Now I feel guilty! I was just watching my FIL for a couple of hours. He and my MIL live 2 hours away. I wish I could help her out more, but I really can't. I do help when I can.
Oh god! Yeah, didn't live with my mom but oh what fun when her and my son got together. My dad would get so mad that my son wasn't being polite and ignoring her outbursts. Um, dad, he has some issues too, remember?
She would say crazy off the wall stuff and my son would say you can't say that it is mean...and on and on. Towards the end we almost never visited with the kids.
But living together, I am so sorry.
When visiting with my parents who both have hearing aids (that they don't wear)... I often find myself feeling like I'm in a scene from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and my mom is Aunt Bethany... Feeling your pain :-) Hang in there!
Not sure what you can do about grandpa's issues, but your son should be able to learn what's wrong with grandpa. Social story/conversation, whatever works best for son to process that grandpa's ears aren't functioning and that he has trouble thinking.
oh, sweetie. i'm twitching a little, just reading this.
i'm in awe of caretakers. i'm so not wired for it. they'd haul me away after 3 days of this.
may the gods bless you, keep your sense of humor intact, and reward you richly for your big heart.
khairete
S.
I have noticed my FIL acts like my 5 and 3 year olds. They talk at each other, over each other and around each other. Preferably at full volume. Ideally all at once as well. Actually listening and comprehending is 100% optional as far as I can tell. My FIL only speaks Spanish and my kids only speak English so believe me when I say any understanding is completely optional. It is two parts funny and one part headache inducing. Do you know how loud a man with dementia, a toddler and a preschooler can be? Oh my. The only good thing is they all clearly enjoy each other’s company. Go figure.
Hi G.,
Due to personal Alzheimer experience, I know that Springfield has several Alzheimer support groups - for patient and caretakers. If you think it might be helpful, please look them up. Hang in there! C.
