Hello. My 65 years old husband of 30 years was diagnosed this spring with early stages of dementia. Early enough that he is in mild impairment stage. This is allowing us to still have a fairly good life and lots of fun together.
However he becomes very anxious about anything related to a time/appt. “when are we going?” Shouldn’t we leave now” for an appt that is 4 hours away, etc.
Flights have become the most difficult. he’s always loved to fly, used to say he would fly to work instead of driving if he could.
Unusual for us but we have several trips only weeks apart coming up: just very anxious about leaving home again any tips on how to manage that anxiety? he’s generally ok once we get on the way to where we’re going it’s just getting him to the airport/on the plane.
thank you
Don't argue - try to talk him down. "I know about our appointment dear, I'm getting ready."
Everything I've read and experienced with my mom tells me that new environments and/or changes in daily routine can be very unsettling for many people let alone someone with dementia (fear of the unknown).
I found when possible I prepped Mom by telling her well in advance of any changes in schedule such as doctor appts. and made a point of giving her specifics ie. where we would be going, who we'd see, what time we would leave and even where we would park. Granted it's in my nature to be very detail oriented (and I love planning ahead) so it was easy for me to do.
Take this time while your husband is dealing with mild dementia to research as much as you can and determine when family and friends will be made aware of the diagnosis if they haven't been already so that you have a support system in place down the road. And make sure that if at all possible you establish healthy habits for yourself, this is a marathon not a sprint so self-care is essential. Wishing the best.
It's excellent that you're taking the time to become
Unfortunately , beside caregiving, you will need to be his advocate.
have you found the herbal supplements help?
For the next time you have to leave for an appointment try any of these.
Don't tell him about it until about 30 minutes before you have to go. This will cut back on the amount of time he has to think about it.
Set a timer for when you have to leave, give a little extra to get coats on and get out just in case he begins to fixate on something else.
If it is for a trip, pack while he is unaware of you packing. Get suitcases to the car in advance, even the day before if you need. That way the stress of getting ready is gone and all you have to do is walk out the door just like you are going to the store. (If you call for a ride to the airport just have all the bags ready to go, even put a blanket or throw over them so he does not notice them.)
Be careful giving him things like Benedryl to calm him or make him sleepy as they can also make him unsteady on his feet.
When you make your reservations you might even want to ask for handicap assistance to the gate. Just tell your husband this will get them there faster. But for you will take the stress out of trying to get through the crowds with your hubby that may become anxious with the noise and people.
he is already on anti anxiety meds (cant imagine how anxious he would be without :)
you can learn not to dispute the patient's concerns and delusions , redirecting the conversation instead .
you'll save both of you a lot of agitation by learning all you can about the ( terminal ) condition .