Blog – Kelley Irwin

Dad is repeating himself

One day in June 2022, Dad asked me the same question 15 times in a row and offered the same advice each time. We were 5 months away from a formal medical diagnosis of dementia.

Dad has trouble paying a restaurant bill

One day in Nov 2020, Dad slipped the bill at the restaurant to Mom to handle. I was aware this was out of pattern. The thought of dementia never entered my mind, but I did know this moment meant something.

Dad thinks he is being held captive

One day in Nov 2022, Dad was calling out that he needed the sheriff because he was being held captive. I cried as I tried to explain the nurses were helping, not hurting him.

Mom and Dad plan a roadtrip

One day in May 2023, Dad said “maybe we should get a big house so we could all live in it. But I don’t want to be in charge because then I’d have to pay all the bills.” Go Dad.

Dad wants to go home

One day in Oct 2022, Dad asked Mom to take him home. At the time, he was sitting in his favorite chair in the house they have lived in for 5 years. Dementia is a formidable foe to logic and reality.

Dad gets a blood infusion

One day in Nov 2022, Dad got a blood infusion and we thought it could cure him. Dementia is a sneaky adversary allowing hope and pain on a fast track rollercoaster ride.