Toddlerhood revisited

It occurs to me that looking after someone with dementia (at this stage anyway) has so many similarities with looking after a toddler:

She likes routine
Choosing her own clothes can produce some startling combinations (today it was flowery pj trousers, a top encrusted with bugle beads and sequins and a shawl. Later in the day she added hiking socks and a fleece)
Being disagreed with leads to a major tantrum
Supermarkets are an opportunity to wander off and cause panic
An afternoon nap is a necessity
Food is refused as a matter of course
She has a very limited attention span - often ending a phone call abruptly without saying goodbye
Absolutely no hesitation in removing clothing or flashing her underwear
Personal hygiene needs to be closely monitored

Clearly having had four toddlers I am supremely qualified to deal with this...

                                                ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today was a middling sort of affair. Not as serene as some and not as traumatic as others. We've had tears and sulks - but enough about me. She wasn't able to turn the shower on or off today, or understand that if she watches ITV (*if*... snorts with laughter) there will be ad breaks and whatever she was watching will be back in a minute. Waving at the house next door is still a favourite even though they cannot see her unless they hang out of the upstairs window.

I've floated the idea of a visit to the hairdresser before the party and it was taken quite well. Tomorrow I will book her an appointment. Rearrange the following into a well known phrase or saying - iron hot strike the while is.

I've found a top for this upcoming party. It's a glorious colour, somewhere between deep blue and purple, very plain but with sheer full length sleeves. I think that as it is a summer party and the dress code is comfortable I'm considering white slim leg jeans, sparkly sandals and some statement silver adornments. I don't do big earrings but will consider a necklace or ring. Or both.