Going around and around

A circumstances with our parents spiral in and out of control and their health and minds deteriorate, I found another spiral. This one is a walking meditation labyrinth carefully designed and placed in our favourite park. I can walk the meditation pathway, conscious of every step and every breath and before long I have forgotten the anxieties of the day. I really have to apologise for the sucky music, but I was editing in youtube so you will have to forgive me.
We have been struggling with the challenges of dementia. Mum has been having hallucinations and is sometimes deep in paranoia. Things got out of hand two nights ago when her fears wouldn't let her allow anyone in the suite to give them dinner because she thought the chefs were poisoning the food. Dad is weak and when Mum wouldn't let him come to the phone, we became quite concerned. Everyone tried to help, from the front desk staff to me so far away. This only exacerbated the situation and she only calmed down when Barry went over and gave them some reheated dinner and settled them down. Today off to the docs on the advice of their caseworker for the results of blood work and yes, indeed it turn out that Mum had a bladder infection and that could make matter worse. Apparently paranoia is a symptom of infection in the elderly...who knew.
However, it is quite apparent that Dad had a stroke. His specialists referred him to other departments in the hospital after his renal treatment, Barry whizzed him around in the wheel chair and it was found that he had had a stroke. He is now weak, his speech is slurred and he is quite incapable of changing his ostomy bag. God know if that wouldn't be enough to make me demented. My poor Mum, no wonder she is obsessed with laundry. Dad causes it all.
The upshot of all of this is that they need to be in a nursing home and Mum's doctor kindly explained that to her today. I know that we will have to make this transition with them kicking and screaming even though they have lucid reactions to the news sometimes, it doesn't mean that information sticks.
Anyway tomorrow will be another day, and I hope that their case worker can get them started on a path to a care home quickly. Mum fell again tonight. Sigh. This is wearing Barry to a thread. It is very depressing to be a carer. And he is trying to work as well.
I will keep everyone posted.