my 86 years old day has been suffering from dementia among other issues like Luchemia, cutis lymphoma, heart issues,..
He is awake all night in bed and sleepy all day - even while sitting in front of the TV. So I cannot feed him or let him drink. Even when hungry, he doesn't want to chew the food; he starts shewing twice than stops.
I gave him melatonin and tried also 'night calm' to help him sleep night time so to wake up day time and nothing worked!
What could work them to ket him sleep well during night time?
3 Answers
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My aunt (94)wandered all night and slept all day. With one medication this was turned around. She now sleeps like a baby at night and is able to enjoy her food during the day.
Increased sleep time is common and expected as a person declines.
While it does not seem like it it takes a lot of energy to stay awake and sort out all the stimulus that is coming at us.
As for the chewing it is possible that your dad needs his food chopped up or even pureed. It may not be that he does not "want" to chew the food, he may not "know" that he has to chew or he does not know how.
Sometimes a gentle rub under the chin and down towards the throat will stimulate the swallow reflex. (just like when you give a dog a pill)
If he is mobile you might want to get him involved in an Adult Day Program. It will stimulate him and having more to do during the day than sit and watch TV might allow him to sleep more at night.
Also..your dad may be eligible for Hospice and you would get more help that will come in and you would get supplies delivered to you.
If Dad is a Veteran please check to see if he qualifies for any help or benefits from the VA.
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Does he live with you, or vice versa? If so, why/how./when? Are you an only child?
Are you employed? Do you have a family? Are you sacrificing your own physical/mental/emotional/financial health to take care of him?