These are fictitious journal entries written in the voice of a woman whose father was diagnosed with dementia. This genre offers life experiences with dementia (Swenson, 2004). There are many months between them to show the changes in her father over time.
- October 2, 2004
Today, we learned that my dad who is 75 years old has the symptoms of dementia. I’m not quite sure what that means but I am learning. He’s been forgetful for quite some time but I thought that just came with age. I still think that some of it might have been just that, but now I know that forgetfulness is also a symptom of dementia (Jonker, 2005). Lately his forgetfulness has gotten worse and he sometimes forgets what he was doing or what he was going to do. This is why he went to, was made to go to, the doctor. They ran so many tests just for us to find out that there is nothing we can do and that he will progressively get worse. I think he may have said something about some pills that he could take, but we’ll have to look into that more carefully. I say we but I guess the decision is really up to them. I know that my sister and I just want what’s best for him and Mom. This is going to be so hard on her. I’m so worried about him and what he’s going to go through, but the truth is that there will come a point where he won’t be frustrated or embarrassed or confused. Mom will always know what’s going on and will have to watch him change from her strong husband of 22 years into a weak man that will be dependent on her every day. I don’t know how she’s going to get through this. I’ll pray for all of us.
- June 18, 2005
Today was a good day. Dad has finally accepted that he needs to use the cane and what a relief that is! We were trying to convince him to use it and even though he knew that he needed it he was not ready. This eases Mom’s mind because sometimes it’s hard for her to help him walk. He forgot what day it was and that scared me a little but he’s still doing so well. I did notice that he’s having some trouble finding the right words to say, but I don’t think that’s been going on too long. Mom said she’s noticed it before but I guess she would. I wish I could visit every day, but I’m doing what I can and I’m so proud of my kids. I always knew that they were great but this has really proved it. Being teenagers I was worried that they wouldn’t take this seriously and would have their own complicated lives, but they’ve really surprised me. They’re helping around the house (picking up my slack) and they visit Dad just as much as I do. They ask a lot of questions but I really don’t have the answers. Mom is doing well too. I think her faith in God keeps her strong. She’s really surprised me too.I have been doing some research on my own on the internet, which might not be the best place to find accurate information but I want to learn. I’ve picked up some informational packets as well. It seems like big changes won’t occur until the later stages and right now he is in stage 3. I’m just hoping he progresses very slowly.
- March 10, 2006
What a week! It seems like Dad has become a different person. He’s stubborn and angry. I can tell he’s frustrated and because of the changes that are happening so fast. He has to use his can all the time now and he forgets so much. He forgets the date, what he did earlier in the day, and sometimes he needs help picking out clothes. He doesn’t want the help and says he doesn’t need it but somehow Mom tricks him into it. She tells him that this shirt looks so nice on him or that those pants really fit well. I don’t know how she keeps it together sometimes. He even forgets how to get places. Needless to say he doesn’t drive! I worry about him so much. My kids are so great with him. If he forgets they make up something for him. They never let him know that they know his memory is failing him. They understand how important it is not to draw attention because he gets frustrated. They watch tv with him and listen to him tell stories about when he was young like they are and I know he really enjoys their company. They enjoy him too though. I am there almost every day now just to help Mom with dinner or cleaning. She gets tired and I understand. Dad always helped her around the house and he still does what he can, but he gets tired and since he’s using the cane there’s only so much he can do. It’s so sweet to see them doing dishes together. My sister visits on the days that I don’t. It’s nice to have her to talk to and lean on. We all go on Sundays. We always have and always will. It’s our day for family and I look forward to it all week.
2 Comments
October 19, 2006 at 11:08 am
1. Whose voice is this piece in? This piece is written in the voice of woman whose father has been diagnosed with dementia.
2. Who is the piece written for? This piece is written for anyone who is interested in learning more about dementia. I think that it could be used to help the family of a person who has been diagnosed with dementia.
3. What do you think the author is saying with this piece? The author is telling people about the symptoms of dementia and trying to live with someone who has this disorder. She talks about the initial things that she noticed and then the things that are occuring six months after the diagnosis was given.
4. Find something specific in each piece that you can “bless.” You might like the originality of an idea, a particular word used, whatever. I really like this piece. I like how you talk about how the daughter feels and how you illustrate some of the different stages of dementia her father is going through at different times.
5. Find something specific in each piece that the author should “address.” I really like this piece, I have one suggestion that may get some more research into this piece. When you talk about his actions you may mention that this is a certain stage that he is going through and site the source you obtained the information from. Great work!
October 24, 2006 at 1:00 pm
1. Voice: This piece is written by a woman whose father was recently diagnosed with dementia.
2. Audience: I think this piece was written for the author to get some of her feelings out in the open. I also think its good for family members, the clinician, or just anyone who wants to know what family members go through when someone is diagnosed with dementia.
3. Intent: I think the author is trying to tell people what its like to deal with dementia in the family. She has relied on her father her whole life, and now she’s learning that she’s going to need to take care of him.
4. Blessing: I really like how honest and real the author makes her feelings. She doesn’t try to hide her frustrations or her sadness, but yet still shows that she has hope and feels better about the situation as it progresses.
5. Address: I think maybe you should add more research into your piece. I’m really not anybody to talk, because I haven’t put any citations in my work yet either. I really think this is a great piece though!! Awesome job!