u/Apprehensive_Rush_76

Father in laws with Dementia had his wife pass in January. Decline and mental
Fog and what I call time slips are picking up. Yesterday he was asking about contacts on his phone and looking for his wife’s contact. She passed this January. It took a few seconds before he remembered she passed. What do
I do when he does not remember or is stuck in a time when she is alive and does not understand she passed. We are not aggressive but he gets stuck in a time slip and at times it’s easier to play along with his version of reality. What’s work, what has not.

So long story short moved in with FIL. I’m told dementia due to drinking. His wife went into the hospital last October and passed this January. So I have been with him since April. Besides the three days of completely clean a two story house from top to bottom. Checking every draw and hiding place for who knows what. That was bad. And I have in the Navy for 20 years. But besides that it’s been good. A few falls but once he was convinced to switch to a walker things got better. As best as they could. Before he would was aware of the events of the day. Trouble with names of pets that came with me. But now no concept of time and surroundings. Asked who I was yesterday. We have know each other for 30 years. This I expected along with memories and flashbacks or vidvid hallucinations or something. Thats I can handle as he was also navy. I know what to say so it puts him at ease. We sit in front of the tv or outside most days. The boarder collies and Australia cattle dog keeps him in line and entertained. Also my early warning alarm for if he in trouble. Or trying to opening the wrong door at night. What do I need to know from here. The good and the bad. No one I ask will say it. What do I need to a shopping list.