I could smother him with a pillow! UPDATE (GOOD/BAD)

[jjdward]

Quote:
The issue with his mind not being "right" has only been going on for about a week. He usually keeps busy by washing dishes, reading the paper, or sitting on the porch. We try to get him out every once and a while.

 

[saddina]

I'm sorry to say this sugar, but it sounds like it's time to have gramps evaluated.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
The issue with his mind not being "right" has only been going on for about a week. He usually keeps busy by washing dishes, reading the paper, or sitting on the porch. We try to get him out every once and a while.

If his mind is going that quickly, all of a sudden,... i think he needs to be checked out asap. My gram is 95 and pretty much with it, but when she gets a UTI or something medically is off with her , we can tell right away because she starts to act loopy. Good luck with him.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Or he could have had a stroke, or be having TIAs, or ...

I agree that that rapid a decline indicates a medical change that needs evaluation

 

[Judy]

Yes, in older folks, a sudden change is mental status, like sudden confusion, is often the only sign that there is a new medical problem going on. A urinary tract infection is a typical example.

 

[PineBurrowPeeps]

Yes, please get him checked out...

Also on hobbies, try a rug hooking kit, painting, clay sculpting, beads, etc. Things that do not require dangerous tools or heat, cooking, etc.

Someone needs to be watching him when you guys are at work, he could burn the house down or something!!!
For God's sake, if he MUST be left alone you had better remove anything sharp, unplug your stove, etc.

 

[Whispering Winds]

After you get him evaluated, is there a neighbor that might keep an eye out on him for you for maybe eggs or a very small fee? It's just like having a big toddler around, only difference is you know a toddler is a kid and its aggravating to see grampy acting that way when you know he didn't use to be . . .but I admire you for bringing him home, not many people will do that. In Japan there are no nursing homes from what I have read, because its just understood that the elderly are highly respected and to be cared for in the home. Now, that may have changed because of their country evolving a bit, but I still think its wonderful.

I agree about this sudden change though, it just might be something simple too, and if it is TIA's, they can medicate that condition quite successfully. My aunt had them and was fine for years before she had the major one.

and

to you. It's like the others on this post has said, one day you will look back on this and be soooooo glad you kept him home. Write things down for your kids, because these days are precious and priceless. I wish I had written things down for myself the stories among the family members.

 

[jjdward]

UPDATE:
Things have calmed down. Papaw seems a little better and seems like he is back on this planet. I talked with his nurse that comes by every week and she said that it sounds like a touch of dementia and that it isn't anything that is out of the norm really. She said that we might need to take a few steps to keep the house "old person proof" like flip the breaker on the stove, hide lighters, ect. The idea of putting him back in the home is still on the table though. I don't think it will be a hard choice to make because he has already been at that particular home and it was a great place, also now my mama works there so she can keep a better eye on him too.
Thanks for all your help and prayers and hugs!!! I'll keep you updated.

 

[jjdward]

UPDATE:
He ain't doing good. His home health nurse came by today and she said he is really going down hill. She seems to think he had a small stroke. His BP was 105/53 and his pulse was 46. About all he does is sleep. Your prayers are needed for the family.

 

[GaNewChick]

My grandmother just passed away Wednesday night ~ she would have been 99 in December and has lived by herself up until the last 3 weeks when she fell and fractured her hip. She couldn't see or hear very well, but her mind was sharp as a tack!

Hope he recovers soon!