Is this the start of the slippery slope?

[JustPassingThru]

Phone rings. It's the PILs. MIL is clearly agitated, saying she's having terrible trouble with FIL, and shouting that the alarm is going off. FIL shouts back that it isn't going off. DH goes down: the alarm is not going off. However, they are arguing because the radiators are too hot. It's 4am.

PILs have an immaculate house and garden. MIL is houseproud, FIL is 'garden proud'. They are comfortably off. Their fence has gradually deteriorated, has broken slats and needs repaired. It's a big job for at least 2 people. DH works long hours and can't spare the time. He suggests paying to get the fence replaced rather than replace it piecemeal. FIL, rarely known to raise his voice, gets angry, insisting the fence is fine, when it clearly isn't (MIL agrees it needs replaced).

They use long out of date food, and get annoyed if I throw out their sprouting potatoes and onions with 3" 'leaves'.

Could this be the start of dementia?

[pippop1]

It could be. Sorry to say that.

Can you find a company that can repair the fence and gently give them the number when you next see them or, offer to organise it for them?

They might even be pleased.

If you are concerned about possible dementia then get their son to write to your PIL's GP stating his concerns. The GP won't write back but can call them in for a "check-up" and see what they can find out.

This is what we did for MIL who would never have gone to the GP herself. You might even be able to take them (and then sit in) to the appointment.

If it is dementia it's a good idea to sort out Power of Attorney (POA) straight away. You just get the documentation in place but don't need to take over unless their deteriorate.

Hopefully they are both fine though.

[JustPassingThru]

Thanks, pippop. DH tried to talk to FIL about getting someone in to price for a new fence but FIL was having none of it. DH would be happy to organise it all but FIL seemed offended at the very idea - he's always been very self-sufficient!

He's been thinking about getting POA and writing to the GP also. I'll remind him, thanks.