-
Welcome! New Forum for Caregivers
This is a new discussion forum for caregivers supporting a parent living with Alzheimer's or other dementia.
-
massage or facials for ALZ moms
Do any of you have any experience with your LO getting a massage or a facial at a spa? I was gifted an hour massage, followed by an hour facial today. It was heaven and I couldn't help thinking, during the facial, if my mom could have a facial and enjoy it. I'm not sure she ever has had one (professionally). I know that as…
-
First Time I Couldn’t Wake Dad Up
My dad is in MC (stage 6, age 92) and has been sleeping more and more this whole year. He is almost always in bed asleep when I visit in the late afternoons. I am told he is often up for a few hours in the mornings. I work full time and cannot visit weekend mornings either. Usually he wakes up when I arrive, and I get him…
-
Childhood Resentments Bubbling Up Caring for Mom
Hey there, new caregiver for Mom who was diagnosed in February of 2026 and has been having issues starting 2020. I just moved across the country to be with her, and while she thinks that this is temporary while she has Lacanemab infusions I am realizing that this is going to be a long-term caregiving situation. I hope you…
-
Sleeping in everything
He's wanting to wear his glasses and sneakers to bed. The glasses press into his skin and irritate it if he does keep them on in the night. He has very oily skin so it builds up under the glasses as well. The sneakers aren't bothering his skin right now but I do worry that they may contribute to pressure sores in the…
-
New Parents
My husband & I just "baby-proofed" our new house in anticipation of my 84 year old mom moving in. She has spiraled quickly over the past few months. She moved in today! The days leading up to today's move has been maddening. She did everything contrary to instructions given. Her meds are either not being taken, or worse,…
-
Turning the corner
My last post, about mom's progression, was five days ago. Things have taken a huge downturn since then. She is eating nothing, sleeping 99% of the day, opens her eyes to my voice (sometimes) but no longer reacts with recognition. No speech or sound. MC staff got her to the table this morning but she just slumped sideways…
-
I hung up on mom today
I called mom to say hi and check in on her (she is in a nursing home). She started by telling me she has a list of things she wants from her house when I go there next. I let her rattle off the list of things she doesn’t need and made no comments about how ridiculous these items are. Thing’s quickly snowballed and she…
-
shaky departure on a low staff day for dad's memory care plus recent "unwitnessed" injuries
Hello all, Dad really wanted to come with me today as I was leaving. He hasn't done that for a while, so I was out of practice. It was also a very low staff day today. For instance, I had to ring the doorbell three times (with long wait periods in between) for someone to come let me in. So I know there's a pretty good…
-
Advice Needed After Moving My YOA Mom from AL to MC
I posted here a while back when my mom was first diagnosed with ALZ and I was trying to move her from FL to GA to be closer to me. She’s 65, I’m 30, and I’ve been her POA for about a year. She’s divorced, so this has all been pretty overwhelming at times. After a really tough few months, my sister and I were able to get…
-
Seeing my mom out smiling with my sister
I am so greatful my sister can come when she can!! She just sent myself and my dad a picture of the two of the smiling at quabbin Reservoir where my mom loves. I got so emotional seeing this picture and I am crying!! I feel guilty for not being there yet relieved my sister is and I am not at the same time. Help! How do I…
-
Appt with CELA tomorrow
Our long awaited appointment with a Certified Elder Law Attorney is tomorrow. I have not discussed this with my Mom at all. I paid the required deposit for the consultation. She will no doubt balk at the idea - doesn’t need an attorney, too expensive, etc. I think that I will be able to reason with her regarding the will…
-
Mom making dementia/ALZ assessment spreadsheets
My mom, (mild-mod ALZ), (AL w/no leveled support) loves making spreadsheets on Google Sheets. I have access to her acct and review it daily to see what she is up to. She makes lots of lists and writes letters to companies and friends and it is a good look into what she's thinking. One spreadsheet she makes is copying and…
-
New Phone/Communication issues
I see a recent thread ("Dad almost totally impossible to communicate with") with a similar question but wanted to extend the conversation. My dad (just turned 88, vascular dementia) has been in assisted living for a few months and at first was calling over and over (both me and other friends and family.) But now not only…
-
Having to move mom out of home
Hello. This is my first discussion as things are changing with my LO. My mom has Alzheimer's and was diagnosed about 5 years ago. After a year in, my daughter moved in with her to help care for her and was there 2 years, then my niece moved in for another 2 years. She has repeatedly vocalized wanting to stay in her home,…
-
Finally have answers, now what?!
I had been telling the doctors that something was going with my mom for a year and they finally did test. This year the test confirmed that her memory is fading. I just hate that it took so long. My mom started needing more care now, so I had to put her in a rehab, because I am exhausted. I’ve been taking care of her since…
-
Her Sun Has Risen...
I know the discussion title is a little unusual, but I chose to title it that way to reflect her freedom from the disease on this side of life. That's how I like to think of it anyway in order to retain some sort of sanity. My mom, diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2018, transitioned in late-August of this year. I am her only…
-
Transitioning Colorado to Illinois
Good morning, My parents are both in various stages of dementia. Father Lewy Body and mom Alztimers. I do their finances, set them up with DivvyDose pharmacy, made sure they have no access to driving. My father recently had a pacemaker put in and has slid downhill the last few weeks. They are currently in Colorado and we…
-
Not thriving in MC
This is my mother’s sixth week in MC. There have been highs and lows in that time. If I’m being honest with myself the low periods are increasing in both duration and intensity. She rarely participates in activities and often needs encouragement to go to meals. We were hoping to see some improvement and it seems the…
-
Living Drama
-
Family Conflicts
My mom’s dementia was diagnosed 2yrs ago. I don’t get along with my 2 sisters. In the past 2yrs I have asked for help several times, especially to hire caretakers. They (POA) won’t hire more help. They are monitoring her through a Ring Doorbell Cam. Now, I believe they are monitoring me through this cam, which seems very…
-
When to prepare
Hello I am new to this group. Glad to have found it. My father has dementia and is slowly refuses to chew and swallow. He is mostly on bed and cannot move at all. I am hoping for any type of supports and advises and when I should be prepared for the next steps in his life.
-
Knowing What to do
My brother & I are working together now to support my mom who was just diagnosed officially with ALZ but has been showing symptoms now for at least 2 years. We want the best for her and to keep her safe and we both are heartbroken. Her short term memory is mostly gone. She has some word and name retrieval issues, and has…
-
Anxiety and Depression
Please share medications that have worked for anxiety and depression for dementia parents. My sweet mother is in late stages of dementia and cries at the drop of a hat and we have no idea why and she can’t tell us. I’ve read about different options but many meds state they’re not good for those with dementia and can cause…
-
Crying often, delusional
Hi, my 85 yo dad was diagnosed 2.5 years ago. Overnight, it seemed, his behaviors worsened. He cries a lot, says he wants to go home and asks where all the other people are. It’s heartbreaking to see this. I am his primary CG. My brother is flying in soon to take over for a few days. My world has shrunk so much. I want to…
-
Aricept Medication
My mom with Alzheimer's was prescribed Aricept 5mg. She was doing fine on that. She is progressing more as expected, so nuero upped it to 10 mg. She said to look out for side effects like stomach issues and dizziness. She hasn't had any of those. What I did notice was it seems she has progressed even more in a short time.…
-
Dad's Almost Totally Impossible to Communicate With - Help Needed
[I've been a lurker for a few months, but I'm hoping to get some advice. Thanks, in advance.] My Dad (82) was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's just under a year ago. Yes, I was floored. But it made sense, too. We'd been fighting for a few years regarding how he's [not] been communicating me in a reliable manner. For…
-
Depends or other for "egg shaped" man
Hello, My LO is a pretty typical shaped older man-5'9" 215# - big belly, flat butt and thin legs. His urinary incontinence is getting worse but nothing fits right so there are leaks, esp in the back. He's tried Depends pull ups and 2 of the disposable underwear style for men. Getting to the point that they're not optional,…
-
Is this anxiety or something else?
My FIL can meet most of his ADL's except for an occasional bathroom accident and dressing correctly. He can feed himself but we have to fix his plate for him and lately he seems to have issues maybe figuring out silverware, we have noticed him using his fingers more. IADL's are another story, as far as I can tell he can't…
-
Cell Phone
My father is starting to experience issues with the phone and keeps calling 911, as he thinks he needs to turn his phone off after every use. I really don't want to get rid of it as we're just 2 months past taking away his car which has been a hard adjustment. Any advice?
-
Newly diagnosed father with Alzheimer's
Hi all - so glad I found this site. My dad is 66 years old, and I am 27. He is still living on his own. We only recently got the diagnosis (within the past two weeks), and he is in the mild/moderate range of dementia. I live two states away, but my brother is within an hour. I am having a hard time figuring out what to do,…