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Valentine's Day with Dementia

Yesterday was Valentine's Day. It was a good day because I actually got some sleep the night before. My life has been in a fog lately because Rich has been "sundowning" which means that he is agitated, experiences hallucinations, and wakes up (if he is indeed even sleeping) all night long. Often he talks aloud, beats out a rhythm on me or our bed in the middle of the night (to a tune only he can hear), gestures wildly, and gets up and wanders around the house. Because of this, I often doze lightly and wake as soon as he moves. He is struggling with using the toilet, eating, brushing his teeth, taking pills, etc. I help him with all of his grooming, dressing, and showering. He thanks me for taking such good care of him and although he sometimes "fights" me when I try to help him, he is usually sweet tempered and grateful. I truly love taking care of him but I am exhausted. I am not typically a good napper anyway but now even when I desperately need a nap, I'm afraid to fall asleep lest he falls. I had a friend install a child proof lock on our front door so that he can't get out without my knowledge. He is prone to go exploring but he no longer has good balance and I can't allow him to go on walks alone. I take him for a short walk and a long golf cart ride once or twice a day so he gets outside. He likes to sit under our carport but I need to be outside with him all the time. He is my ministry and I want to care for him lovingly and patiently. Lord, help me when my strength is waning and my patience is gone. Help me to remember that you are with us everyday in the beautiful and the difficult. You are my rock, my anchor, my stronghold, my shepherd, my loving Father. Rich is dependent on me but my strength comes from you.
Psalm 91:1-4 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

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