My husband has never acted his age and, while this has kept him young, is making it difficult for him to accept that he's elderly now and his body isn't that of a younger man. Mobility is difficult as he has arthritis from a hip replacement years ago. He's on meds for anxiety/depression but I have trouble accepting that I can't pursuade him to use treatments that helps him.
How does he respond to doctors and nurses? Is he a bad patient also or will he be more agreeable with them. If so, let the medical team (doctor and nurses) do the heavy lifting.
My mom happens to listen to medical professionals better than she listens to me, her daughter. Others will chime in with advice. Good luck to you. Hugs!
He appears to listen to doctors/healthcare professionals but won't use his CPAP, even though a respiratory therapist told him this week, that it can stave off heart attack, stroke, etc. This morning, he became angry when I reminded him that he needed to have his breathing treatment before breakfast. I get frustrated as I know what he needs to do but can't force him to do it.
I have given up trying to help mine. I change and bathe him and wait on him hand and foot, but I make no suggestions as to what he should and should not do. When I bathe and change him, invariably he digs at his skin to the point he makes it bleed. I don’t know how he has avoided bedsores. I’ve stopped telling him not to scratch.
If your husband refuses his treatments, tell him ok and get on with whatever else you were doing. Let him know you’re available when he changes his mind but you have other things to do and don’t have time to waste arguing with him. Let his doctor know he’s refusing his treatments. The doctor might suggest someone to stop in and help him. Sometimes, help is accepted from a medical professional before a family member.
The doctor suggested bringing in an Alzheimer's caregiver but I know my husband- he's very private (being English) and never agree to a 3rd party getting involved unless it's a physician.
At least we know we're not alone as caregivers. Thank you!