When I first started blogging on this site I spoke about my Father in law who I also call Dad.  He was diagnosed with Alzheimers.  Since then my Mother in law passed away in Nov 2010 which I also blogged about.  Then recently my Father has been diagnosed with Dementia.  Just when I thought life was returning to some kind of normalcy and that I could focus on my career, my life is entering a different direction. 
My Father in law is now in another stage of the disease.  He has become aggressive which is totally out of character for him.  At first they thought maybe he had a UT infection, but that test came back negative, then they tried changing up the meds, but that wasn't working and only resulted in more meds that would settle him or make him drowsy.  Now they are bringing in a team to observe him and see what triggers this behaviour.  Our visits with my Father in law are not too bad.  We seem to miss the aggressive behaviour, but I have been called in when it has happened and by the time I get to the home he has been sedated.  It is hard to watch someone you love change into someone else.  This disease is horrible to watch, just horrible.

It is almost a year since my mother in law passed away, we just listed her home.  Hoping for a quick sale.  It is very emotional walking in and packing up her life.  The memories are so vivid and we will always have them.  I miss her dearly.

My Dad is having a hard time adjusting to all the changes in his life.  He is obsessing over the amount of medication he is now taking.  Doesn't understand why he feels the way he does, and blames the medication.  I am hoping once he gets his hearing aid this week that I will be able to communicate better with him and help him understand what is happening, also I am hoping he will begin to socialize with the other residents.  He needs a distraction, so hopefully when he can hear better he will have other things to focus on.  The financial burden is also taking a toll, especially since I have not been actively working for two months, which when you are self employed is not good for business.  Thankfully, I have a very understanding husband who tells me not to worry and to focus on what needs my attention and that is family right now.

I have been contacted by the Alzheimer society of Ontario to become a Dementia Champion for the upcoming election and then I was also asked to attend their leadership forum so maybe this is where I can learn more and help make a change.  Not sure what that change will be, but I feel in my heart that someone upstairs is guiding me.