I'm looking for online support for my mother, now 83, taking care of my dad, turning 87 in a few days. After a serious stroke over a year ago and a series of TIA's, he has dementia. She is the primary caregiver as I live in another state. She enjoys her computer and since she has to be home much of the time to supervise dad, I thought this might be a great place for her to visit online. He gets up at night and wanders, or more succintly, stumbles and falls, even knocking over some furniture with his small frame and 110 lbs. He cannot separate his dreams from reality. She has been unable to get a good night's sleep (along with all the other issues) for fear of him hurting himself and listening for any sound. I'm going to get her on this site myself, so she can read and post messages. She's getting better on the computer, but does need some guidance. By the way, any ideas on how to keep him in bed? He does take a sleeping pill that works sometimes.
Thanks for any advice and subsequent support or guidance...

My husbands dreams become his reality but, with an antidepressant, Celexa, and seroquel, he does not react in an unruley way.I still have to follow the words he says concerning his dreams , say enough to pacify him and nothing more

Hi Sharon, My wife has done better since we starter sleeping with a dim light. She would become disoriented when she woke in the dark. I also have enough light in the hallway and bathroom. She is a high fall risk because of some medical problems. She was also put on Seroquel after some violent outburst and it helps her sleep. We participated in a university study which showed people with dementia do much better if you increase the amount of light in their enviornment. Good luck with your father. Don

Sharon, First , please tell your mom to join this wonderful group.It has been my salvation from the begiining .SHE MAY , ALSO, MAKE FRIENDS THAT SHE CAN CORRESPOND WITH AWAY FROM THE FORUM.I had great results with Seroquel with my husband , and Geodon along with ativan with my mother.Just a thought.Cannot say it is the answer but something to speak with the doctor about.All these meds should begin in the lowest doses