January 17, 2021

I participate in an Alzheimer's Support Group that meets monthly. It's sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, but like the association the group addresses all forms of dementia. It's called the Alzheimer's Association simply because it's the most commom form of dementia. The Alzheimer's Association supports 2 main things - it funds a huge amount of research into all forms of dementia (they're the largest nonprofit funder of research) and it supports people struggling with dementia and the caregivers who help them. They offer many courses on a wide array of subjects (communication, legal issues, medical issues, etc), a 24 hour hotline, referral services, etc, and of course support groups for caregivers. Anyway, at this week's support group we talked a lot about caregiving in the Covid environment. Covid has greatly exaggerated daily life with dementia. Quite a few people said they have very limited contact with anyone beyond their family member with dementia. They rarely leave the house out of fear of contracting Covid, they get little support from family members because of Covid concerns, and as a result the vast majority of their connection with other people is limited to a demented person. I realize I'm so fortunate that we have Easter Seals and that because I work I see other people and am occupied with things beyond dementia. Still, I feel the heavy impact of Covid on the dementia part of our lives. I often feel very constricted by it, especially because I'm a social person and like to be with other people under any circumstances. I try to draw a line that is balanced with being safe and yet not going insane myself. I realize everyone draws boundaries that they believe are appropriate and wise. It's simply more complicated with dementia. So as Covid stretches on, all I can do is try to focus on the positive things in life, and know that this mess will end - hopefully sooner rather than later. After talking it over with some friends and family members, I've decided to get the Covid vaccine as soon as possible. I found out I'm elegible through work, and I'm trying to get a note from John's doctor to see if he can get one now as well (he's 2 years too young in the current guidelines). I've registered with Othena (the site where appointments are made) but still haven't been able to schedule a vaccine appointment because the demand is high. And the web site sucks! Meanwhile, while showering this morning, John was very upset because he got some soap in his eyes. He was really angry so he turned off the water and kept rubbing his eyes with his soapy hands. I was trying to help and he yelled at me to get away from him. He was very mad when I turned the water back on, but finally calmed down after he rinsed off. During the time he was so angry, he was more confused than normal. He was talking about getting in the car and driving himself home. It's weird the way confusion is heightened when he's angry.