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Violent episode
In Canada where we live, we have access to short term respite at a LTC facility. At day 4 of a 7 day stay there was an incident that I am trying to process. Having played hockey at a very high level as a young man it appears he thought he was at hockey practice, started running and body checked a resident, sending the…
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Mistakes Are Reminders
I have observed that every mistake my DH with ALZ makes causes me an instant wave of sadness because it is a reminder of this disease and the toll it is taking. It reminds me his remaining capabilities are all likely to slip away one by one. It reminds me of all the losses he has already experienced. It reminds me that I…
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Just need a friend
Im caring for my husband of 47 years, about 6 years in now, so far, not difficult except for watching steady decline of smart, healthy partner, which, of course you all know kills us a bit each day. He is good tempered, does as I say, is comfortable to be around, he mostly watches TV or sleeps but we can no longer carry on…
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Can you tell me more about visiting MC Facilities?
I helped my mother find a SNF for my grandmother decades ago, but there were like 3 choices in her area… and I don't think there were any MC options near her at the time. Now, I live in a city where the choices are overwhelming (which I imagine is actually a blessing). What am I looking for? I have read that I need to get…
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Not sure what's going on, but I'll take it!
My DH was diagnosed a few months ago. Like everyone else, it really brought me down. He was doing the shuffling walk, forgeting everything he used to know and do, eating and sleeping habits changed drastically and we could barely carry on a conversation. In the past week and a half, there has been a real turn around.…
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Communication tips for caregivers of someone with dementia...
I thought these tips I read on Facebook might be helpful: You asked...and you shall receive! A blog reader recently asked me for a list of communication tips they could give family members for when they visited their parent with dementia. Here goes! Tips on Communicating with Someone Living with Dementia Connect, don’t…
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The end is near.
Apri 9th I fell the end is near. They have padded bandages on her elbows now because she sits in a wheelchair all day and can't move. They try to move her hands and she won't let them. I fear she has given up. They told me today, that they have started turning her every two hours to prevent her from getting any more bed…
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Using Lequembi infusions
Hi- just wanted to connect with anyone who is using Lequembi. DH has had three bi monthly infusioNs to date and one MRI, which showed no abnormal brain bleeds. Seems to be tolerating it well. Our understanding is that it can’t replace current memory loss, but it can dissolve existing plaque and help prevent more from…
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Just need to talk to my friends (217)
About time for bed so will begin 217. Zetta, I could have taken Stormy in and it would have been ok. She is a country girl and is used to animals. Maybe next year. April is a pretty month so maybe we can lose.the wind and get rain. Beautiful sunset, JeriLynn. Happy April Fools Day!
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Suggestions on how to deal with medication refusal
My DH has recently started having some significant behaviors. His delusions have increased constantly saying I have a problem and need to go to the doctor. Blocks me from going upstairs etc. Nothing physical. He starting taking 25 mg of serequel in the afternoon. I called the dr. to request an increase so I have started…
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Moving My DW to a Home
I am moving my DW to an assisted living facility this week. It’s been long in the making. I won’t get into how we got here but instead I need to know how to make the transition for her and me as smooth as possible. For starters she does not know it’s happening. We have been to the facility together twice. And she does not…
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New here
Hello! My husband hasn’t been officially diagnosed, however, being around a friend of my mother I know. We’ve been to a neurologist twice, but he told me he wasn’t “comfortable” making a diagnosis at that time and for me to keep a record of things until the next appointment in June. So, my question today is how do I not…
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Nap time
my DW, stage 5-6, is pleasant and compliant until she obviously needs a nap 2-3x per day. Ok again after a rest but lately she is less cooperative in lying down for a nap. Attitude gets very obstinate and angry. Any ideas how to persuade her to “stretch out” for a bit?
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Fluctuating hearing
Does anyone have experience with their LO having fluctuating hearing loss? My DH with AL does have hearing loss, but has been able to understand me if I speak just a little louder than normal. But, lately, there have been several days when he hasn't heard me or everything is garbled for him. I cannot tell if he is actually…
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In memory care and taking hubby out
hubby has been in memory care facility since mid October. He always in confusion. He says where am I. What am I doing here. I want to go home. This is all he talks about. I thought I’d be able to take him home thanksgiving but no way. I’m not sure he will ever be ready to go out. I can’t imagine taking him to a diner.…
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Hallucinations
My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimers last year. He is experiencing quite a few hallucinations nearly all day. Has anyone dealt with this much and if so what did you do? He is aware that what he is seeing is probably not there but is confused because he really sees it. Just wondering if there is any meds out there that…
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visiting MC facilities
I'm going to have to start visiting MC Facilities and was wondering about dropping by unannounced vs making an appointment. The glossy ads all look so wonderful and the reviews give a different picture, so was thinking that it might be better to just stop in, so that it is not staged. Anyone have experience with this?
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A New Level of Loneliness
I see that I had a post last year about the loneliness of living with a spouse with AL. Of course, the disease has progressed. I'm guessing that he is more stage 4 than 3. Really, who can tell for sure. We have a daughter who is not currently speaking to us as she works through some things. Exactly what things, she did not…
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Medications
Has anyone added a second medication like memantine for memory and thought it has promoted a decline in memory and confusion? I have considered stopping it for my husband but don't know if it's the med or just the quick progression of the disease.
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New day New challenge
If I’ve learned anything about this terrible disease is everyday seems to bring on a new challenge to deal with. My current challenge is my DW is going into the bathroom to urinate and stands in front of the sink and just pees. This happens in the middle of the night when I’m sleeping. I’ve tried to prepare for when she…
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New to group
This is my first posting to the group. My DH was recently diagnost with Alzheimer's. It's not too bad right now, but he is also a Diabetic and a Kidnery receipient. He takes so many medications now wtih anti-rejection drugs I'm not sure how any new drugs will affect everything. Has anyone had any experience with Diabeties…
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MC costs
I’ve been reading a lot of posts about caregivers moving their loved ones into facilities once they can no longer care for them. I am not there and I’m praying that the time won’t come when I’m forced into a horrible decision like that. I feel that 80% of the folks that make the move can afford to do so. I’m just wondering…
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Just venting
Yesterday was not a good day for my DW….It was a total delusional day. she thought there was people in the house, her dead sister, father, mother and our sons who live in another state. when no one has been here. She has been started on a new medication which seems to have very little effect, but it is early. She got up…
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Anyone Living in Assisted Care with LO?
As I continue my research on possible future options to meet my DH’s needs (and mine), I would like to hear your experiences if you or someone you know has lived in assisted care as a couple —-one healthy and one with ALZ. Some care facilities allow this and some don’t in our area. But, as you know, the real information…
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MC Cost
I often hear that a plan B must be explored when the time comes that I cannot provide the care my DW needs. I have looked into a memory care facility and the cost for this is astronomical….$586.00 a day. My financial situation does not qualify for Medicaid so this would completely bankrupt us in a very short period of…
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Worst Chapter Of My Life Begins ..
After being together for 56 years , I am going to be separated from my lovely wife who suffers from this dreaded disease…I did my best to keep her home for the longest of time but unfortunately, being Carer 24/7 has taken a toll on me Next week she goes into an Assisted Living Home. Just looking at her brings tears to my…
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I need advice - My husband with dementia keeps scissors for 'protection'
My husband has dementia and has become very focused on keeping a pair of scissors with him because he believes he may need them if an intruder comes into the house. He keeps them close at all times, carries them in his back pocket, and even sleeps with them. I have thought about taking them away while he is in the shower,…
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Hospice/burned out.
My DW is in hospice now. She doesn't really understand what is happening to her. She doesn't eat regularly and doesn't sleep. Her skin is turning a yellowish color. She can only stand up to use her walker if someone is there to help lift her, then she can take 3 to 4 steps before sitting down. The care home is wonderful…
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Caregiving Song
When your wife is diagnosed with Alzheimer's and you dedicate your life staying with her at a nursing home. This song is written for both of us. Being a caregiver is not easy, this is my way of coping with the everyday stress. Hopefully, you enjoy the song as much as I did making it.…
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Goodbye
My cancer has progressed to stage 4. I have stopped treatment. As this forum told me, I can’t care for my DW with the side effects of chemo. I’ve entered hospice. After an aborted attempt to move into an assisted living facility locally, I found an opening in memory care facility near where her daughter lives. I told my DW…