I would visit even if he seem angry at times part of him that lives you and needs you is still buried somewhere deep inside and you being there is important even if it doesn't seem like it sometimes. My husband is still at home but I have seen to many people in nursing homes both Alzheimer's and not that are left alone and sit there waiting to die wishing someone would visit that someone cares and by visiting the facility knows you care and they take better care of your loved one. I know it's hard on you but would you want no one to come if it was you? My husband's kids kids don't like to face that their father is disappearing and stay away he misses them but they are the losers they have waisted years of memories smiles and love. Keep trying to find the smiles in every day make what good memories you can even if it seems they are far and few between sometimes. Do it for you and for him you don't want to live with Shoulda would a could a. Know in your heart you were there and did what ever you could. Believe me I want to run many days when it gets bad but I am all that he really has even if I'm in the F...ing B list to many days I also get the smiles on good days and will make as many good memories as I can get. In his heart those memories are there even if his head forgets. Hugs to you good luck it's one minute one day at a time hold on Pam

I saw a mat you can put by the door so if he goes out you hear. Also I was told by a nurse to put a curtain over the door so they don't recognize it.

When my son was 3 and had his tonsils out he was afraid when I went home at night. They didn’t allow parents to stay back then. So I left something I was knitting on the window sill. I told him I would come and get it in the morning. He trusted I would get my knitting. Maybe if you leave something there he might be more safe for a while. Sadly when I got there he was standing in the bed looking afraid. I asked what was wrong and he said “I have to go potty”. He was too little to know about calling the nurse. So we never know what goes through the mind of a person who does not understand because of cognitive problems.

I have found this such a caring supportive site with many helpful suggestions! Barry is, after 42 yrs of marriage, and Alz the last 9, in Memory Care. So many good suggestions like staff distracting him when you leave. With short term memory barely there, that could definitely help. Barry was also placed on Dekapote for mania and an antidepressant which really helped his behavior- he was angry, aggressive, decked a young nurse (behavior he would be horrified at). As a retired nurse, I can appreciate the over use of drugs B U T some are so beneficial, so I would talk to his doctor at the hospital. May God's blessings surround you through this valley. I am so blessed by my faith and church! That helps me through his behaviors! I also like the comment about treating staff! Yesterday I visited and took decorated cupcakes for staff and some for Barry's sweet tooth! As a retired RN who worked 30 yrs before taking a disability retirement, I can concur with how appreciative staff would be! Be sure to tuck every tender moment deep in your heart! Jan

@A myALZteam Member You got me to thinking today with what you posted.
Usually, if Ernie has to go out somewhere he will revert back to a child. So this evening, when I went to visit him, I just walked right in the room and before he could say much or tear up, I told him I brought him something and pulled out a cold 7up and 2 large Black and White cookies. His face just lit up. When I was ready to leave, I didn’t announce it, I gathered up my things, gave him a kiss, told him to behave for the nurses and walked out the door.
The same way I did my kids on the first day of school. I think I may be onto something. lol
Ernie still talks but most of it makes no sense. I also tried to explain what is going on on TV. It was a futile effort. So now when he asks I counter with what do YOU think is going on. Whatever he comes out with is exactly what is going on! lol he seems satisfied with that. 😀

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