Not sure how much more I can take. My Mom has Alzheimers.....I work fulltime, she stays with me.

I am fortunate that I do have help to come during the day to help Mom.

It seems that Mom is sleeping all day. My helper didn't tell me this but to me it is obvious........I come home from work at she is widw awake and doesn't want to go to bed.

She comes into my room all hours of the night and wakes me up because she can't sleep and wants me to sit with her.... I HAVE TO WORK!!! she doesn't understand that. It's not her fault ,I get that. But I am getting NO SLEEP!

I have told the "helper" to please keep her busy during the day. Go for a walk suggest she do some gardening ( she used yo love that ) we are in Florida she can garden all year. the "heloer" says she keeps her busy......but I don't believe it.

On the weekends I take her for walks get her out in the yard to do "work" I keep her out of her chair.....she needs stimulation, not sitting in front of the tv dosing all day and up all night!!!!! BUt i have to work.it is soooooooooooooooooo frustrating!!

jaded

You might need to get a different "helper" by the sounds of it.
You'll totally burn out if it continues the way it is at the moment.

She could have her days & nights turned around.
A serious talk with helper to really find out if she is sleeping most during the day or not, might be in order.
It could be insomnia or some other thing causing the awake at night issue.
If no changes happen maybe time to talk about it with her dr??

That's a great point. Jo. I remember this with an aunty. The "sundowning" effect.

If she's taking a medication it might also be affecting her sleep pattern.

Some info. on Sleep Changes / Alzheimer's

http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_10429.asp

Sleep Issues and Sundowning

http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-d...sundowning.asp

jaded2nite, I hear what you are saying. I don't have a lot of personal experience with alzheimers. But my 2nd Mom, next door had it and I know it was exhausting on the family. I wasn't involved like 'the family' but went thru it with them. Back in the 80's. Then I visited a dear friend last summer. His wife has stage '6' alzheimers. I was with them for a week. I know know how exhausting it is for the caretaker. And he is 79 years old. It's now just a matter of weeks before he will be forced to have her placed in a facility. He will do everything possible to keep her at home. Thank goodness he has the funds to do that.
I cared for my cancer terminal mother in the 70's when there was no aid like there is now. The 24/7 care =giving morphine shots around the clock was exhausting.
This may be way off the wall- but, because you are hearing one thing from the helpers and experiencing something different-is there a way for you to find out what is going on while you are at work-like having a friend pop in.
I hope the best for you and your Mom. Take care of yourself, loretta