Kindergarten for Dad

After almost two weeks, I am almost finished with the re-painting of Dad's room and a second room (which was mine when I was a teenager). In its most recent incarnation it was used as a guest room that looked straight out of the 1970's.

My thought after the painting and clearing out of accumulated "stuff" was that I was going to use the second room as either a newer, finer looking guest room or as a small family room (but come on, it is just pop (Jesus) and me (for the most part). So last night (3AM to be exact), I had what can only be defined as a DIVINE INTERVENTION! Why not face this debilitating disease HEAD-ON, yes folks, why not convert the extra bedroom into what will amount as a one-room classroom for Dad, a kindergarten for a senior citizen! I mean actually set it up as a modern classroom.
Homeschooling for seniors!

Why not? The medications that his doctors have been prescribing to him (within what can only be described as an assembly line attitude) have apparently not been working as well as anticipated.

Add to that, that we receive no additional support from our local, state or federal governments; even though my father is a veteran of the Korean War. Most recently, our California governor, stopped most assistance to California seniors. I mean, the paperwork, the red-tape puts me in a mindset that outside of placing him in a nursing home (no way!)I have no other options but to take things into my own hands and be more proactive in fighting the onslaught of this terrible disease HEAD-ON.

My father is in the fickle position that his retirement pension is too high to qualify for any minor assistance programs, but really too low to solicit other options. Adult day care is beyond our capabilities; moreover, even the medical insurance companies do not see us as a family unit (as a household - go figure), because I am the son living with his father, therefore they would charge us two fees as if we were two families living under on roof.

For as much as we pride ourselves about our country, after living this experience first-hand, I say that we do not care about our seniors the way most civilized nations tend to.

Therefore, hopefully I shall be finished with my little home-schooling project later this week, and I am going to read my dad more children's' stories, the alphabet, play games with him that remind him of his name, of family members, remind him of the day of the week (or the current year for that matter), but I do not intend to give up on my father - until I have tried everything humanly possible.

He deserves that in the very least.

A Brief Note to MY Daughter

Roxana:

Thank you for your words and congratulations on being so busy with essentially fun stuff and activities. This has been a tough week for Tito and me, as we essentially said goodbye to my Uncle Tony (Tia Bertha's husband). The service was this past Monday at the Catholic Church in Bonita. My first job was as a dishwasher at his Casa Don Diego Restaurant when I was only 16. He was a very great guy, he knew your Tito and Tita when they were teenagers. Anyway,I just got dropped off by a tow-truck since my pickup blew it's rear tire (and the tire was relatively new). So I panicked because I never leave Tito alone for more than a few minutes, but I dropped off a friend at the border this morning (after lending him my truck) - I was in shorts, had not yet shaved or bathed it was supposed to be a quick drop off - I ended up borrowing a Border Patrol officers's cell phone to call the tow company and my aunt Elsa to check on my dad. All turned out okay, but I was soooooo desperate about my Pop being alone for that brief moment. Somehow I felt like I messed up. I should NEVER leave my dad alone. NEVER! Anyway, more to tell ya, but I will save it for that next SPECIAL day that I get to see you and Jessica.

Love,

Dad

P.S. "Tito" and "Tita" are terms of endearment for "Grandfather" and "Grandmother" ---- respectively.

The Balancing Act

My Pop and I just got back from the Home Depot. This particular store was my father's regular hang-out; what with having been a carpenter in the past, he loved to go there and check out the new merchandise. Unfortunately, today I had my share of surprises when my Dad almost fell down twice in the store. He walks with a cane, but he is having increased difficulty in maintaining his balance. His doctor told me that this was to be expected, as a lack of depth perception is another symptom of Alzheimer's Disease, in addition to the very expected memory loss.
Outside of putting him in a wheelchair, which I would like to delay for as long as possible, I do not really know what to do.
I am curious as to what percentage of Dementia and Alzheimer's patients develop serious problems in keeping their balance, when walking from point A - to point B. I have not heard of too many complaints regarding this (balance) issue, so I am very dismayed that my father is having such a hard time (just in walking).
I took him to Denny's for a late lunch afterwards, and I had to fish out a conversation, as he sat there nibbling on his sandwich; apparently, lost in thought in a word faraway from my world. His symptoms are getting worse. Moreover, I am getting tired and anxious at the same time. I miss not having my Dad with me like in the old days. The man I have living with me is, unfortunately, a shadow of the man I knew before.
Sometimes, I ask myself if I am doing worse in taking care of him in his own home, rather than placing him in a nursing home. But, I think that action would contribute to a worsening (even more) of his condition.
Sometimes, I just do NOT have the answers. I wonder if this is normal?