Dutch Integration Exam
So I completed my KNM exam today, which relates to my integration process. KNM stands for Kennis van de Nederlandse Maatschappij, which covers understanding of how Dutch society works, including such things as norms, values of the health system, the education system, renting and buying houses, etc. For people who perhaps come from other parts of the world, there is probably more to learn as opposed to myself. I was so happy I was done within 20 minutes.
Grace keeps saying ‘suck your ****!’
I did a really silly thing with Grace yesterday when I first arrived at the care home. I told her, ‘Do you want to suck my ****?; and in response, she kept saying over and over, ‘suck your ****.’ I couldn’t stop her anymore. I’m thinking, “OMG, all the nurses are going to hear her saying it.” It was funny. When I write this down now in my journal, it makes me feel happy and really good about the connection with Grace.
Sometimes I say to her, ‘f@@king awesome’ (which she is!) and then I say, ‘what are you?’ and Grace responds, ‘f@@king awesome.’ I love her to bits, and she’s still the Grace I have known from Day 1.
Making Jelly, the Perfect Dessert for those with Dementia
On the way from the exam location to the care home, I stopped by one of the small Turkish supermarkets and bought Grace some Jelly, then prepared it at the home. For those people with dementia who find it increasingly difficult to be independent and feed themselves, the nice thing about Jelly is that it’s really easy to eat and swallow, and it has lots of taste in it.
Dinner was a struggle
I found dinner difficult. There was another resident who is clearly struggling with physical health and mental being. I could see Grace found it all confusing. After dinner I took Grace to the other living room and she became relaxed again.
I stuck around until after 10:00 PM last night. I’m preparing for my Sailing Skipper theory exams, so Grace sat next to me in the living room, listening to music while I did my coursework. Over time, she drifted off to sleep, looking so sweet.
Feel so much for Daughter visiting Her Mum regards the guilt we all feel
I talked with one of the daughters of a resident yesterday. She does not live in the Netherlands and feels so guilty about that with respect to her mom and regular visits and not taking care of her. I hope she feels better because it’s better to have some good quality time than lots of poor-quality time together. Also, she has to live her life. Taking care of someone is a full-time job that she cannot do alongside working. The guilt and sadness are normal for all of us losing someone to dementia, particularly those with early-onset dementia. It’s normal and reflects our love.
