This is Dad’s new addition to his face, compliments of his Houdini abilities!

Alzheimer’s Disease is by far the most unpredictable thing I have ever encountered (besides my mood off my hormones LOL). I look at all the stages that have been studied and seem to have created some new classifications via Dad – Zaydeh Zone, Super Powers and now Houdinism. What he can’t do when you are looking, sometimes becomes a simple task when you leave the room or go to sleep. I have been truly amazed by the things he can accomplish when my back is turned. Not good for him, but good for me as a caregiver is, he has a very bad hip so we have not had to deal with wandering in the almost 6 months he has been living with us. That being said, safety is the #1 priority and like a small child – it only takes a second for him to do something.

With Hospice in place – the goal was to never have to go to the hospital or doctor again. So here we are – day 3 of no help, just finished taking down Christmas decorations and enjoying a cocktail with hubby and my wonderful friend Toni (with Dad in eye’s view). Dad is propelling himself around with his feet while his seatbelt is on in his wheelchair. He often parks it by the fireplace and chats with all the pictures of the kids in his “Zaydeh Zone.” And then – in slow motion – I see him tumble out of his chair and hit the corner of the fireplace. My hubby’s first response was that I forgot to belt him in – nope – he undid it! He had done it in the past – but not for a while. Sure enough – a nice gash that will require medical attention. This poses a dilemma as I refuse to abuse 911 and he can no longer assist getting in a vehicle. I got the legs and hubby the top and in he went and off to the ER. After 2 hours, refusing any type of scan as he was singing away (and at this point we will not do that) – he got Dermabond. He was an amazing patient!

This morning, he has a sheet tied around him in addition to the seatbelt. Houdini will not strike again! And Toni has been Googling all types of safety harnesses to keep him in his wheelchair. The roll belt is secured to his bed and the recliner causes a whole other Houdini dilemma. Dad can’t afford to break a hip at this point so time to tighten the “restraints” (a bad word these days) or whatever you want to call them to keep him safe at home!