[BonBon]

Originally Posted by gemy

Does he like water? Swimming might be good then. You are the best massage therapist for him. Gentle loving touch, lots of it is so well received. My father died of Alzheimers, for at least 4-5yrs before he died, he knew me not, but he knew love. He expanded and loved my touch and massage, but had not one idea who I was in his later years.
When he was agitated often times the nursing home would call me, and after visiting hours I would visit, massage him, and then off to sleep he would go.
In terms of the knees or legs, take your soft palm, exhale, and then just run your palm about two or so inches down the leg and out the paw. See how that works. Don't over analze it, just do it.

Take the ear, between your index finger and thumb, a very gentle pincer grasp. hold at just above where the ear meets the lower head. On the bottom of the ear near the pinnae.

Hold for 10-15 seconds release. Repeat anywhere from 3-6 times.

Oh dear, I can picture you lovingly caring for your father. Bless him, he was a lucky man to have you there for him. And I can tell how much you cherished your time with him.

Alexander does not like water at all...he doesn't even like to walk in the dew and get his little toesies wet. Since the confusion has gotten stronger, bath time is much worse. He seems to be afraid of water anywhere near his head, neck or chest now. But, I've only had him around water for bath time - I haven't tried putting him in the tub for exercise or play. And I hesitate to introduce him to something new just now, but I do like this idea for if/when the Anipryl starts working. That is a wonderful suggestion. Thank you!

I'm going to try what you've described for the ear tonight. What does that do? Is it to help relax, or is it a pressure point to ease pain elsewhere? Either way, I'm going to try it!