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Alzheimer`s Disease/Awaken state
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This will be my 3rd note to you. I went to see my mother today to take the priest up for "last rites". I went into her room. This is what I saw. Keep in mind she has been a a comotose state for 4 months. She was sitting in her wheel chair. Eyes open, not glassed over. The priest said, I am going to anoint you now. She says, That will be fine. I kiss her on her cheek goodbye and said I love you and she turns her head and smiles as if she knew me! Now I have never seen this. Of course I have not been around alot of terminal patients. I know it happens very often at the end. But what a blessing for me to see a glimpse of the mother I had. Amazing what the body and mind does at the end. As always thanks
Hi Mica, my goodness, how absolutely touching and wonderful - I think these were moments you will remember and treasure forever. I'm sure what happened must give you a lot of comfort. It's what most of us pray for - that we will see a glimpse of the person in those last weeks, and that they will know we are there.
She'll always be with you. You are a testament to what a fine woman she was, and of the value of her life.
M
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Answers by Expert:
Mary Gordon
Expertise
Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.
Experience
Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!
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