My husband and I visited yesterday with an elderly relative. He is 96 years old, no diagnosed health problems other than poor balance and some weakness. He walked without even using a cane until about a year ago. Now he uses a walker in the house and a wheelchair when going outside. No broken bones or anything, just weak and poor balance. He has 24/7 live in care from a very nice caregiver with members of her family pitching in to give her a break.
All well and fine, but here is what upsets me--while he does not seem to have Alzheimer's (for which we are immensely grateful)--he just sits and watches TV all day. When we visit he chats amiably for about a half hour and then says politely that he would like to rest now, so thank you and good bye. And then he goes back to watching TV. He makes sense, he remembers things, he just doesn't seem engaged in anything.
He looks well cared for, eats well, doesn't seem sad, doesn't take any medications and he doesn't drink, so we know he's not zonked out on pills. This is a man who had an active professional career with many interests and friends. It is seems so sad that he just sits in front of the TV all day.
Does anyone have any insight on this? He has regular visits from us and other family members and it's the same with everyone--he doesn't want to go anywhere or visit for more than half an hour at most. As long as he is happy, that's all that matters, but I wish I understood it better. Is it a form of Alzheimer's?
All well and fine, but here is what upsets me--while he does not seem to have Alzheimer's (for which we are immensely grateful)--he just sits and watches TV all day. When we visit he chats amiably for about a half hour and then says politely that he would like to rest now, so thank you and good bye. And then he goes back to watching TV. He makes sense, he remembers things, he just doesn't seem engaged in anything.
He looks well cared for, eats well, doesn't seem sad, doesn't take any medications and he doesn't drink, so we know he's not zonked out on pills. This is a man who had an active professional career with many interests and friends. It is seems so sad that he just sits in front of the TV all day.
Does anyone have any insight on this? He has regular visits from us and other family members and it's the same with everyone--he doesn't want to go anywhere or visit for more than half an hour at most. As long as he is happy, that's all that matters, but I wish I understood it better. Is it a form of Alzheimer's?
An old age problem--any insights?
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