Dementia

I have been asked to write the outline of a chapter for a book about dementia from a doctor’s perspective.

I am struggling.

here are my thoughts…

*

I have lost my

Hearing aids

& specs

&

my dentures are gone.

*

I feel low.

Trapped;

The doors you see, are locked.

*

The carer says

I care

Yet,

That is not what

I feel.

*

Earlier,

The doctor

Or nurse,

I forget which one

Promised to find my mum

Now nothing.

*

Follow this pathway,

It is easy;

You take this tablet,

Attend this clinic

And

Voila

All better.

*

First medicine

A, then B, then C.

Lisinopril

Memantine

Simvastatin;

It is with a feeling of nausea that I approach the day.

*

They let my dog visit

Earlier,

Shula

She’s called.

*

The food,

Pureed

Pulped

Textured

Pale green and white and grey,

Dad always liked a crunch.

*

Past me

the nurse

the doctor

the

healthcare

assistant

walks at speed;

Sans eye contact.

*

My stick

They took it away

I forget

Why.

*

Move to here,

Ward

A, B or number 32

Then

Intermediate;

Undetermined care,

Interim, nursing

and residential.

*

Awake all night

I listen

To the sounds.

*

The nurse does not listen

I cannot hear

What she says.

*

Visiting times,

Colleen is allowed

In.

*

We laugh,

I laugh,

Snigger

Smile

Giggle.

*