Kate got up without my having to wake her yesterday. We made it to Panera and also got her lunch there without any rush to get back home for the sitter. On the way there, she said, “What would you like me to call you?” I said, “Do you mean my name or my relationship to you?” She wanted to know my name. That occurred several other times during the day. I might not even mention it, but she was also experiencing more confusion yesterday. That and the changes in her sleeping tell me we are headed for the part of this journey I would like to avoid.
A few minutes before Anita arrived, I told Kate that I would soon be leaving for Rotary and the Y. She gave me a look of displeasure. I told her I didn’t like leaving her, but I appreciated her understanding. She seemed to accept that and asked what she could do. I told her that she and Anita could go to Panera or they could spend some time with her family photobooks. Her eyes lit up at the mention of Panera. She said she wanted to brush her teeth and asked me which bathroom she should use. I chose the one she uses most often.
She was still brushing her teeth when Anita arrived. I went back to tell her and to say good bye. Then she asked me if he could use the toilet. I may not mention it much, but one of the changes over the past few months is asking if she can do one thing or another. At first, I thought she was asking for permission. Now I am reasonably sure that she doesn’t trust her own judgment and just wants to know what she should do. Later in the day, she asked if she should take her nightgown with her to dinner. Most of the time she doesn’t ask. For example, on Sunday she brought two bed pillows with her when we went to lunch.
When I was about to leave for Rotary, I said goodbye and walked toward the door. She called my name. That’s a good example of the fact that she doesn’t always forget my name. I turned around to see what she wanted. She whispered, “Aren’t I going with you?” I reminded her that I was going to Rotary and that Anita would take her to Panera. She asked, “Can’t we follow you?” As usual, Kate was very cordial to Anita. I didn’t detect any sign of a problem with her. It’s just that she feels better when I am around.W hen I returned home, I found Kate and Anita trying to locate photos on Kate’s iPad. They had apparently found them while I was gone but couldn’t figure out how to get back to them.
Kate looked more confused during the evening. She didn’t display any indication of anxiety or concern about her memory, but she just looked like she didn’t know what to do next and wanted my guidance. She usually works on her iPad right after dinner. She started but quit in a few minutes. I think she is having more trouble operating her iPad and felt like taking a break. I picked up one of her photobooks. She enjoyed that. When it was time for me to take my shower. She returned to the iPad. I suggested it was time for her to get ready for bed. She readily accepted that. I am now staying with her as she puts on her gown. She gets confused as to what to do. She frequently takes off the pants she has worn that day. Then she puts her night gown on. This was followed by putting her pants back on under the gown. Everything is getting more challenging for her. I am glad to help, but it is sad to watch her growing dependence.
