MADISON, ALA.
So far this sudden move from RV traveler to assisted living has been relatively easy. A big help was my reason for doing it was absolute. There is no way I could stay on the road safely with the Dementia actively destroying my brain. I was already coming back here to get off the road long enough to find out what was wrong and get it fixed. Well the finding out was the easy part. The MRI and EEG both conclusively showed the doctor that it was stage two Dementia. When I saw the " x-rays it was obvious that my brain was in trouble. The doctor carefully explained what it all meant. For practical aspects it meant that I would not ever be safe to operate a vehicle on the road again. What I have noticed is my reaction times have slowed down tremendously. So even though I feel I could drive a vehicle safely on an empty street I do not figure out what is developing ahead of me until too late. The other part is memory would be getting very iffy and short lived. That IS happening.
The result is I chose to not even try to drive before I hurt someone by being hard headed. Here we are six months later and it was the proper decision. Living here in the assisted living part of this facility is very safe and nice. When I do have a session of head not working right, I just go back to my room and color or something else and NOBODY gets hurt. Driving when an attack of dementia hits shuts me down mentally about 75% and I am not safe driving on the road.
So I am in a good facility where I get three decent meals a day and a nice snack spot is kept ready for me to grab a decadent snack day or night. There is competent medical help on call in the building 24/7 for when real trouble hits. I am free to come and go any time I choose. But I am learning to feel (fore see) trouble starting and when that immediate medical help is needed it will come running ready to take care of me. That is my current living status as best as I know. We will move to the next step of this lifestyle in the next report. Have great day folks, I am.
Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that, Barney. Your blog post was both interesting and informative, and I think it lets us all get a deeper insight into your current situation. It benefited me, and I hope writing it benefited you.
ReplyDeleteTom..... Having toooo much fun while still learning from the OFM.
I hope my openness helps others when their time comes.
DeleteGlad you're safe and still having fun. Just wondering, how's the migranes and is the warning you'd get from those similar to the feeling you get from a dementia attack? Ever get them together? Hope not. Love & hugs to you, Barney.
ReplyDeleteNice update Barney. Does the facility have many events or daily activities to keep the other “inmates” (that word really gave me a good laugh) entertained?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the informative update.
I only hope I can find the same kind of facility when the time comes. You are one smart guy to make that decision!!
ReplyDeleteA very reasoned approach to your current limitations. I wish other people with issues would handle them with the care and consideration you have demonstrated. Kudos, Sir!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much.
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