Going, Going, Gone

Over time I have posted lists of: Automatic, intermittent or extinct abilities. Or we could call it "always, sometimes, and never." At this point all skills and behaviors seem to be going or gone. Nothing that Gregory is able to do is automatic without thinking, like pressing the elevator button to go down or like getting a glass of water or like going into the bathroom because he needs to take a pee.

I have described how I will not rush to Gregory's aide immediately but rather let him try to figure out how to do something with which he is having difficulties. This gives him the opportunity to operate in his own time at his own rate and level of understanding. It gives me the opportunity to observe how much he is able to do.

If he does something more often than not, I do not interfere. If he can do something sometimes and not others, I do not interfere unless he really cannot get it this time. When I can tell, or when I think, he has lost the skill, I will help right away and not even ask or assume that he can succeed in the skill. At this point I do not even ask him to do it.

Well as of today:

GONE:
Recognizing need to use restroom although not incontinent.
Toileting clean up process including wiping and flushing.
Getting into shirt and pants.
Eating a normally served meal.
Helping to cook, set up, or clean up for meals.
Ability to go for a walk in the neighborhood by himself.
Taking pills and medications.
Recognizing thirst and knowing what to do about it.
Following simple, on word directions like: "Sit."
Put on coat and zipping it up.
No help with household chores.
Reading by himself for pleasure.
Recognizing that he needs to take a nap.
Cleaning up bathroom after he shaves.
Showering by himself.
Setting up toothbrush and paste.
Answering the house phone.
Using his cell phone.

COMES AND GOES:
Reading the newspaper.
Eating with knife and fork.
Buckling seat belt in car.
Opening car door.
Answering the door when someone knocks.
Opening a door.
Turning lights on and off.
Staying alone while I run down for the mail.
Taking the trash and/or recycle down the hall.

STAY TUNED FOR MORE (the nature of Alzheimer's, isn't it?)