On Saturday I called the house to let them know that Ken was planning to come by later in the afternoon. I spoke to Al and he mentioned that Dad got up again the night before (luckily no hitting though!) I think it was just once during the night that he got up, but then Al mentioned that he moved Dad to his recliner, and then he slept there the rest of the night. I suggested that in my experience I thought it was better to get him back to bed, reminding him that it's not time to be awake. I think Al is a bit reluctant to be too firm or insistent with Dad, to ensure Dad doesn't get angry, which I can understand. Hopefully over time they'll get to know each other better and be able to work through this.
On Sunday I stopped by to see Dad. He was relaxing and watching the Laker Game. He gave me a big smile and nice greeting when I saw him, and he was speaking very alertly, though wasn't very talkative. He had slept fine the night before.
I also stopped by to see Dad this evening during dinner. He was enjoying chicken pot pie and a nice lettuce/tomato salad. Seemed too focused on dinner to want to talk to me. I chatted a little with Juana (pronounced Wonna) and Al. They reported that Dad was able to play bingo today without assistance...finding the letters/numbers without help (he didn't do that when I had played with him a couple of weeks ago.) They continue to report that Dad is eating well and having daily bowel movements. I'm not sensing over-concern on their part (at least at this point) about the two incidents with Dad's wake-ups.
However, I have contacted Dad's doctor asking whether he would recommend any kind of medication that could be given to Dad (only as needed) on these nights/instances where he doesn't seem to sleep well and/or gets anxious, agitated or overly confused. Turns out it's not a good idea to give a sleeping pill or "sedative" type of drug as that poses more of a fall risk. He is recommending "Haldol" in a very low dose. My good friend whose husband is a palliative care doctor also recommends it.
Again, the intent would be only to administer on an as-needed basis. When I take the pills over there tomorrow, I"m going to ask that I be contacted whenever they need to give it to him (after the fact of course, but that will allow me to keep track and monitor the situation.)
