He has COPD and many other issues. How do I stop him? I have tried everything including asking his DR! I've stated not good for his health, cost too much, smelly, won't help his current chronic cough, he could do something else, a hobby, walk ect.. He's 77 and states he's MY father and a grown man and will walk to the store if I don't get him some. I actually went to our usual store and asked them to please not sell any to my dad... I feel bad for him but I'm at loss on what to do... He has lived with me since his stroke in December of 2011. Doctors say he doesn't have dementia but I think other wise... Any suggestions on how I can encourage him NOT to smoke? I have even tried distracting him with his favorite ice cream but he starts right back in asking as soon aas the ice cream is gone..
Be Well - Sue
You posted an update that your Dad had stopped smoking for over 30 years?
Has he started back again since asking for them? Some stroke patients do have regions of their brain activated or reactivated (old habits, or suddenly cursing and angry when that was never part of their personality), and some do begin to have mild dementia, etc.
The suggestion for an electronic cigarette is a great!
See if you can get away with it. Maybe tell him Dr said because of his stroke it's the only type he can have - may or may not work.
If it does not work, it will come down to quality of life as you cannot both constantly lock heads over it.
Ask the doctor if any patch, etc., he can recommend you try that would be Okay with any meds he may be taking as a back-up.
So sorry you are all going through this. Keep us posted! all the best!
Other thing with COPD is that as it gets worse, he may get to the point he needs oxygen - BTW, do you know what his Oxygen level currently is?
When levels drop, will also have more dementia like effects on person, weekness, etc. You can have Nurse check, and Oximeter prices have come down, to the point you can buy them on sale at stores like Walgreens for less than $50, some times on sale for $39.99
He may already need to be on Oxygen, in which case, should not smoke if at all possible. Not an easy situation.
Keep us posted!
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