Husband was in a tree

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Although generally our relationship is very amicable and good natured, I briefly snapped at my husband and he took off on a toot in the woods. When he hadn't come back in an hour, I called the police, who had already spotted him and had a brief conversation. It was about 55 degrees out and husband had no shoes or socks, no coat, just sweatpants and a short-sleeved tee shirt, no jacket, hat or gloves. I drove over to the woods where they had spotted him, but couldn't go into the rough because it was steep and I am disabled. At one point, he climbed a ladder into a deer stand in a tree. We finally got husband's son over there to talk him down.

I brought him home, made him hot cocoa, showered him and did a tick check.

Early stage Alzheimer's. Ugh. I still don't think he's ready for institutionalization, but I guess I better be aware of where he is every moment... maybe get one of those tracking devices. And I better not ever be cross again, even for a second. At least we had a good long talk with his son about dad's real diagnosis.

I'm sorry to hear that... my grandfather has Alzhiemers too and he's in a nursing home. I know how rough it can be.

Oh Bea, that must have been so scary and upsetting for you all! I'm sorry you had such a stressful experience but I'm thankful he is home safely. I hope you can enlist more time with your home aide or some form of respite for yourself.

Hugs

Yep. Glad he’s safe.

Has he done this before?

I’m wondering if this “deer stand” is some sort of “place of refuge.”

If he runs off again, he just might go there.

Thanks for the support, my peeps. He told me one of the cops quizzed him repeatedly about the year or what day it was. Just for sport, husband kept changing his answer. Of course, this is a standard field test for "how crazy?" someone is. I told him not to do that, it could result in being treated worse. (He also was asked twice who was president, to which he replied "that (expletive)" which drew a chuckle from one of the cops.)

He was apologetic, both to me and his son. I don't have faith he won't do this again, though.

kraftiekortie, I doubt he would go back to the same spot. He has done something similar two different times but more in the spirit of just wanting to "go for a walk" or "be out in nature" and each time he took off in a different direction.

We're both exhausted today (it was more walking and more tree climbing than he was used to), but otherwise ok.

Another thing I've been concerned about lately is his self-administering his drugs, which include narcotics and sleeping pills. His memory and judgment are impaired, so I think I need to buy a locking cabinet and keep all the drugs in that. One more thing to deal with.

Yep....locking the medicine cabinet would be an excellent idea.....

I'm sure this was a traumatic day for both of you. I hope that rest and hot chocolate helps.

There are a number of tracking devices available, including chips inserted under the skin, and the ankle monitors. You might also want to consider a necklace or bracelet that has contact information on it. If he is willing to wear it, this is an inexpensive option.

For medications there are a number of systems (locked) that unlock exactly the pills that need to be taken each day and time. You fill it up each week and then it is automatic.

It's good to hear he still has a sense of humor.

Blazingstar, could you tell me about the locked pill dispensing system? I'm interested but I don't even know what to search for.

I can post a link or two if that is permitted.

Try googling "timed pill dispenser"

If that doesn't get you to these products let me know. Google does "adjust" to each user so that may work for me and not for you.

OK, thanks. I found those. They are not the right product for us because I am here to dispense the drugs at the proper times; but I need something to lock the prescription bottles up. I'll continue to search online. A lockbox of some sort should do the trick.

When our kids were toddlers, we bought a lock in a hardware store and installed it in our bathroom locket with dangerous chemicals.
I believe meds are smaller so a simple box with a lock would be easier.

googling "lock boxes for medications" provides some good results.

The problem I have seen with lock boxes is that when alone, the person who can't get at his meds can do a lot of damage to a lock box and still get the medications. As dementia progresses, he may think you are keeping his meds from him so he will die (just for example.) I have seen people smash lock boxes to get at their meds. One even got a safe with an inch deadbolt broken so he could get at his meds.

The advantage of the timed lock boxes is that the individual has some control over his medications and may feel more secure.

Of course, only you know what would be best for your husband and you. Just sharing experiences.

You’re in my thoughts and prayers.

Thank you, Anne

Blazingstar, I give him a degree of discretion. I leave him a mid-night self-dosing of oxycodone for instance, to use only if needed.

The problem at present is that there is NO control. But generally if he asks for a med, I have no issue giving it to him. I don't want him self-medicating though.

I'm sure he can pick any lock I might get, but it might not be that momentous a struggle... just discouragement, not outright prevention.

I have a travel bag meant to carry meds. It locks and is lined with cut resistant fabric. I don’t remember where I got it but AAA (Canadian version is CAA) sells similar articles. It’s not as heavy as a lock box and not so obviously a “special “ container.