Holding It Together

[poliphilo]

My mother lives to a strict routine. Breakfast at 8.00. Read Daily Telegraph. Get washed and dressed. Read Daily Telegraph. Coffee at 11.00. Read Daily Telegraph (or post if it's arrived.) Lunch at 1.00. Read Daily Telegraph. And so on through the day.  Her memory is very poor but the framework holds her together and creates an illusion of normality. Our job- as much as anything- is to keep it in place.

This morning, after getting dressed, she appeared at the kitchen door and asked, "What do I normally do at this time. I forget."

Comments

[ingenious76.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to read this. My mum's mum also had a strict routine - and then we got the "what do I do now?"

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

And one has to react as if nothing is out of order...

[davesmusictank.livejournal.com]

I have a cousin is so set on routines, and I swear it is part of his whole OCD complex

[wyrmwwd.livejournal.com]

In your cousin's case it may be, but with Alzheimer patients, keeping a routine like this is a way to maintain some control. The feeling of being out of control because one just simply cannot remember is terrifying.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Other people's routines are always so much sillier than one's own :)

[wyrmwwd.livejournal.com]

This phase will not last forever. Unfortunately, you will probably miss it once it passes.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I can't see the next phase being any jollier.

[(Anonymous)]

Oh dear! Jenny x

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

:(

[arielstarshadow.livejournal.com]

Much love to you and Ailz, and thank you both for being such wonderful, caring people.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Thank you.