-
Free Online Caregiving 101 Class
Family Caregiver Alliance gives free online classes from time to time. On February 14, they are giving a class, "Caregiving 101." It is also a good idea to sign up to receive the online newletters from Family Caregiver Alliance. While they are centered in San Francisco, they provide a lot of good information and also…
-
Covid closing NHs to visitors again
DS called this morning to tell me his RCF is closed to visitors again, and the residents are locked down. He can't go anywhere, and we can't even sit in my car in the parking lot and drink coffee as we often do. I'm not terribly surprised since the schools are closed and clinics are cancelling routine checkups, but I don't…
-
Middle of night eating
Does anyone have ideas for me, my mom gets up to go to the bathroom about 2-3 times a night and she goes to the refrigerator each time and eats something. I worry cause she is diabetic so I don't for the most part keep unhealthy things in THAT refrigerator but she does not have her teeth in so I worry.. I keep jello or cut…
-
A huge win!
Some of you may remember my story. My parents live 9 hours away and I go back and forth a lot. Mom is in hospice and has caregivers from Home Instead. She has Alzheimer’s and is now stage 7. My two siblings live closer to me. We consider my town as home. I was with my parents for two weeks and have been home for 5 days…
-
Difficulty staying awake after surgery
A little background, so you can see where FIL was pre surgery - FIL was placed in a memory care facility in May, at the time he went in, he was somewhat communicative, could handle grooming, toileting, physically healthy, etc. He was enjoying the place, the food, caregivers, activities, and had made friends. Several events…
-
My mother-in-law thinks everyone is stealing from her
She is convinced there is a black market for her depends, toothpaste, clothes etc. and they are being stolen. She was living in a facility at the time so who knows. She has lived with us for a week and “things are missing “. We are new to caregiving in this capacity and are not sure how to handle it.
-
Changing placement
I am POA and medical designee for my sister who is in MC for last 6 months. Staff is nice to her and good communicators but problem is lack of socialization and activities. Most people in The average number of people on her locked unit are 6… only one is capable of conversation. We have found a place with more planned…
-
Bible Verse to Lift You Up 1/24/22
THANKFUL & WILLING * Ephesians 2:10 Good News Translation “For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds,…
-
finding a private home health aid Bergen County NJ- any advice?
Hi, My mom is in the early/mid stages and she lives with my family. I am moving and have to give up my terrific caregiver (she has know my family for 7 years and I completely trust her!) I need to hire someone new. I would like someone private (as opposed to agency) and the person would need to be willing to go on the…
-
Need advice for the no, no no phase
Any tips or advice for "no" responses to virtually everything? My father is 72YO, between stage 5 and 6. He used to be SO active and willing to do things (pre-Alz). Lately, anything we say/ask - the response is a flat no. Do you want to go outside, shower, play a game, want a cup of coffee, help mom shovel the snow "NO".…
-
Progression or Something Else?
My mom has had dementia since 2016 and currently in a nursing home. She is dependent on aids to dress, feed, etc. She was on a low dose of morphine 25mg in the morning and at bedtime for arthritis pain for 3 months. I noticed that she was more sleepy and last week asked that they stop giving it to her and just give her…
-
No food or water for 5 days, on hospice, what can I expect next?
My grandpa is on hospice since 1/19. He became bedridden on 1/14. He hasn't eaten or drink any more than a tablespoon of soup and water a day since 1/20. It's also touch and go with getting his medication down since 1/20 as well. The nurse is coming today. And I am in close contact with hospice about his progress. He's got…
-
New symptoms / don’t know if it’s normal
Hi everyone. My grandmother was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s/dementia in 2018. Since then we’ve noticed a decline in her memory but figured that was normal. In June of 2021 she woke up one day and started having slurred speech. A few hours later it turned into literal gibberish with only a word that we would…
-
Question on behavior/symptom
My partner is 53. Her father had early onset Alzheimer’s as did his sister and I think one grandparent. My partner underwent some kind of cognitive test About 3 months ago and was advised she did not have any sign of early onset A. She often makes mistakes with medication she is taking This morning she thought she was…
-
Mom has cut way back on eating, what comes next?
Hello Everyone~ My Mom got sent to the hospital a couple of weeks ago because she got really weak and was having a hard time sitting up and even speaking. Her dementia got super bad too. While in the hospital she got diagnosed with a bladder infection and covid. One day on the antibiotics and mentally she seemed back to…
-
Big move tomorrow...I need strength!!
Hello all! I’ve read about every post I could the last 5 months and appreciate everyone who is dealing with this awful condition and the advice and support you give. Back story - Mom was showing signs of cognitive impairment for the last 3 years, while living in her own home (30 mi away) and caring for my adult brother who…
-
Covid Confusion....Ugh!
Update - My brother has finished his isolation period of 13 days. Disinfected his room,clothing,bedding etc. Noticed he still has a mild cough and very runny nose that he has trouble keeping up with. I did call the Dr to ask if he is still considered contagious and need to be isolated for longer. Dr. says it is doubtful he…
-
Help with Guilt
I am a 55 y/o working adult with a very stressful and demanding job responsibilities. I am also the only caregiver for my LO who has Alzheimer''s/Dementia. My LO is 85 y/o and lives alone in a 2 story townhome with stairs. This past year my LO has fallen several times (not on the stairs) and this last time ended up in a…
-
Transitioning to a home
Hello, my family has finally gotten to the point where we know we need to put my dad in a home. I know it's going to be difficult so I was wondering if anyone had some tips regarding what to say to him. I'm not sure what stage he is at in his dementia- he has a hard time communicating, not finding the right words for what…
-
1st Time Post - What Profession Should Provide Diagnosis?
Situation is LO seems to be displaying EO symptoms for about 2-3 months. Hearing voices, noises periodically. Some agitation. Some anger. Sometimes accusational. Some regret. Some stubbornness. LO has seen regular MD and just had 1st visit with neurologist. Neurologist has prescribed Seroquel (quetiapine) as needed,…
-
Calls from LO in MC
New here and mom has only been in MC for 3 weeks so still trying to figure out "normal" routines for having a LO in MC. I am listed as the main contact (dad doesn't want to be involved, sister MIA). 1-2 times a week I get a call from mom or a staff member with her saying she is upset that some person from her memory isn't…
-
My Dad is Gone(2)
My dear, sweet, wonderful Dad has passed on from this life. I am sad, but also thankful for the time I had with him. Even some of these last few years, believe it or not. I have posted on here a few times. At first, I was looking for help, any kind of help that would lead me down the path we are all on. Later, I responded…
-
problems with social worker/Adult Protective sx
Help! I'm a 'newbie' with ALL this including possible diagnosis of early dementia--feel like my whole world is falling apart--merry(not today)
-
to tell or not
Hello, My 80 year old mom (dementia) tested positive for Covid on Wednesday. Her symptoms were very mild but we still decided to test. The exposure came from a potential caregiver . She lives with us and my husband and I tested negative. We've been keeping an eye on her, monitoring her symptoms and she's doing ok. No…
-
In crisis mode with Mom; nothing has been done; how to make the necessary happen?
I posted a couple times prior: "Mom likely has dementia but in denial; Dad paralyzed into inaction" on Jan 27, 2021; and "Suspected demensia in Mom, but gets mean/angry if discussed; Lyme disease connection?" on Dec 4, 2019. To try and keep this terse: for at least five years, my 67-year old Mom has been showing signs of…
-
Do we need to tell my mom her diagnosis?
Hi there I am new to this forum and am so very glad to have found this site. My mom has recently been diagnosed with dementia (Oct ‘21). The neurologist thinks it’s Lewy Body Dementia but that is only by ruling out other types. My mom was living alone and seemed to be ok until a fall in October, and since then she has had…
-
Update to guardianship etc.
We had the emergency court hearing. All came to an agreement about LO's will, irrevocable trust, and medical care which was read into the court record. Our CELA attorney created the documents as agreed and is now trying to get them signed. The ad litem assigned by the court was "fired" by my Dad who doesn't remember the…
-
Confusion re: time of day
My MIL is frequently confused about whether it is morning or night. She comes out of her bedroom dressed and ready for the day around noon, and goes to bed around 8pm. Right now it is dark around 5:30pm. I have a great clock in the kitchen with BIG numbers and lettering that shows the day of the week, whether it is…
-
Crisis management: Emergency Response Services, Emergency Rooms, Respite Care
The full background of our situation is in the recent thread "In crisis mode with Mom; nothing has been done; how to make the necessary happen?" (https://www.alzconnected.org/discussion.aspx?tid=2147559405&g=posts&t=2147559405). The quick summary is this: my mom has shown worsening signs of dementia for at least five…
-
Now can I adjust to not reaSoning?
I am beginning to understand that it will do me know good to try to talk some sense into my dad, because he has lost his ability to use common sense and has no reasoning skills. How can I remind myself of this fact? When I, being faced with such a situation, how can I keep myself from reasoning and find a way to reassure…