"George II"

We met George on October 27th of this year. He was found outside searching for his car in the early morning. George has become increasingly agitated and confused. The holidays are a terrible time for people with dementia. With the progression of the disease, they become very frustrated as family members visit the faces that greet them are strangers. The routines of the day are disturbed which only causes more anxiety.

Last night, I visited George and his wife Maxine to give them their evening pills. George was very agitated. Although he and Maxine have been married for over 60 years and have 8 wonderful children George was convinced that he had to call his wife to let her know where he was. He blurted out, "you aren't my wife!" Maxine, bless her, tried to explain to George that she was his wife and he didn't need to go anywhere. She tries so hard with him.

I winked at Maxine, and George and I were off to my office just across the hall.

I took out the book of resident's numbers and let him find the number. I dialed the number and handed George the phone.

Maxine answered. George explained to his wife he was stuck in Iowa and he couldn't get home.

Maxine, such a grand lady, told George she was stuck in Iowa, too. She gave him her room number and off we went, across the hall back to George and Maxine's room.

He was so relieved to see her. He walked in, smiled and said "I was worried sick I wouldn't get home to you."

I had tears in my eyes when Maxine looked at me and said "you are an angel, you know that??" It embarrassed me, I knew just 10 minutes of my time saved Maxine so much heartache.

I'm not the angel, Maxine is.

George sat down in his comfy recliner like nothing had ever happened and gave me a big wave as I left the room.