My mom was moved to memory care 2 months ago after suffering from her first UTI, at which point her ability to form any words at all is gone completely and she cannot carry on any kind of conversation. When I first arrive at her facility, she'll allow us to sit for several minutes, she'll try and tell me "things" in jibberish which I cannot understand. Then she insists on walking me around her facility, in circles for the rest of the time I'm there. I feel like I'm a little puppy dog, following after her owner. I realize every dementia patients shows different symptoms, but is this one of them. If so, how do I deal with it? It just seems crazy to me. Oh and btw, she refuses to leave the building at all. It'd be nice if I could get her out for a drive. But she won't hear of it.
AL.......ASSISTED LIVING
ALF.....ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
And if they are not use to taking a lot of meds...oh boy! It gets worse. Sun downers, of my God ! What a night mare. I almost went crazy, I saw all kinds of personalities come out of my mom. After she passed that stage it calmed down some. As for a NH I don't ever want to take her back to that again if I can help it, not being checked on but every 2 hours from a RN and suppose to checked on by an aide in between, hell a person can be dead by then. These NH has strange policies and I don't particular care for. My mom is at home right now ... with me!
As unsettling as it is for both of you, it would be good if you could find a way to take some time for yourself. Two hours isn't enough to refresh yourself. You need more respite time than that. Your wife is important, but you are equally important. I don't know what you like to do, but you should take that time for you. I have to have at least 4 hours twice a week to keep my mind healthy. I'm lucky that I can leave my mother for a while. I hope that you can find care for your wife so you can take some needed breaks.