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How do you Celebrate
Yesterday my oldest son was welcomed as the fulltime First Fire Chief in a growing city. How do you celebrate and be happy at the same time?? My DH served on a voluntary fire department for twenty years prior to his diagnosis. Our oldest son joined the department before DH retired from it. Our youngest son joined shortly…
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Top This
I am a retired microbiologist. Over 40 yrs in the field I have had to deal with gangrenous body parts, gross sputum/poop/wound/and you name it specimens to be cultured. But my DH almost made me hurl twice this week. First: He had a bowel explosion. Nothing new. Got him into bathroom, sitting on toilet. I am getting shower…
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My FiL is not Giving my MiL the Care She Deserves
My wife's dad is one obstinate man to say the least. He's the full time caregiver for my wife's mom who has middle to late stage Alzheimer's (sorry, I'm not quite sure). My wife and I have tried to get him to accept in-home assistance to no avail. Recently, we've even offered ourselves to assist more, but he just can't let…
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I can only see one way out
I can’t do it anymore
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medical expenses and IRA withdrawals
I remember this topic coming up in the past. My DH is now in MC so I asked our CPA about this. Given our income and our anticipated deductions for 2021, she gave me an amount that I can withdraw tax free for this year. My questions are: What should I do with our withdrawals? Should I put it in savings or reinvest it or…
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what is your loved ones favorite saying why they can't remember things
My Peewee also says " I have been back to sleep" That's why I don't remember what your talking about.
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suggestions please(2)
Hi DH has been in residential care for 4.5 years, now late stage 6 or possibly into 7. Moves around independently at a slow shuffle, has had a few non-damaging falls. Knows me by sight, sometimes by name, calls me wife, says he loves me, can't believe we are married or have 2 adult children and a grandson. Only person…
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a different kind of grief
I've been through a lot during my lifetime. Many challenges, some hard times, but nothing like this. It's a different kind of grief. Slow, relentless, all encompassing. So much loss- my husband, my freedom, my health(?), my future, my (free) time, my money, my dreams, my peace- on a daily basis. Every day, with no end in…
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The Dog has Dementia too
Sigh. .Well if life with Alzheimers wasn’t bizarre enough, the 15 yr old dog has dementia too. Right now I’m here listening to the sound of his pacing up and down the hall. He will do this all night . I had to block his way or he will come check on me all night and wake me up. And the shadowing! Picture me walking through…
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home activities in the midst of Covid - New member
My MIL has recently moved in with our family permanently. Both my husband and I are still working everyday with him trying to work from home as much as possible so that someone is with her. She's still independent enough to dress herself, shower, eat, etc. We prepare all of her meals because if left up to her, she would…
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Dreams(2)
DH was diagnosed with dementia almost 5 years ago. I've had many dreams about him, usually disturbing ones like him getting lost, or we're on a trip and he's very confused, and so on. Two nights ago I dreamed he was talking A LOT. In reality he is non-verbal. In the dream, he was talking non-stop and very clearly but…
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Diary or Journal
I recommend keeping a journal or diary about your LO and yourself as time passes. Just brief notes every day or week to describe any changes in your LO and how you are doing as a caregiver. Challenges and successes. I have since 2015 and have found it useful. In a practical vein, it is useful when talking to doctors. It is…
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start meds?
Friends ask if my DH is on meds for his dementia. He isn't. I have many reasons. I don't think they are very effective, I worry about side effects, I worry about getting him to take them daily, etc. I feel judgement from those that ask. Should I reconsider? Namenda? Aricept? Anyone have experience- positive or negative-…
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This Dementia Life
This is how late stage six is playing out in our house. Three conversations that took place this week. One DW: Do you think you can get me a better job? (She retired years ago) Me: I might. Why do you want a better job? DW: So I can make more money. Me: Why do you want more money? DW: So I can eat. Me: Well, you eat now.…
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A site for you and your LO
If you're looking for nostalgia, this is one option. Scroll down, and you will see photos of a lot of things from when you were a kid. Your LO should enjoy it too, if he/she is not too far advanced with the disease. That should spark a little conversation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/goodoldday/
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easy shoes and easy belt
I'm sure some of you have figured this out already but I'm so happy I found these easy on shoes and belt,Kizk shoes....kizk.com I got sneakers for my husband. They have ties but don't need to be undone (unless they need to be tightened) and the heal pops up on its own after he slides his foot in. Took a few times for them…
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Bermuda Triangle
I need prayers. My 91 yo father is going to have to adjust to using a wheelchair, not any easy task, he's used to going when and where he wants. Thankful he does have all his faculties. However, my brother and I will be forcing him into "training wheels" this weekend. Either that or he will take a fall, which is far worse.…
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DW discharged to Memory Care
After 5 weeks in the Behavioral Health facility for psych evaluation my DW was discharged today and transported to her new home at a Memory Care facility. I had so wanted her to be able to come home but it wasn't to be. They have calmed her combative and aggressive behavior but she will require 24 hr supervision. I haven't…
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I got to touch DW
I touched DW yesterday for the first time in over a year. She has had her two shots I was getting my second. It was a quick hug and she has no idea who I am. but she likes a hug from anybody. I first kissed DW 49 years ago.
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Covid-19 Vaccine 2nd dose
Just an FYI, my DW and I received our first dose of the Moderna Vaccine in Mid February. Besides a little soreness in our arms, and my wife getting a little rash at the injection site that lasted a couple days there were no other side effects. Sunday March 14th we received our second dose. Again there was no side effect…
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Happening to fast
Hello all, I don’t post much, but do read others situations which are similar. To refresh, I’m 47. My DW is 55. She was diagnosed 4 years ago with early onset. I noticed changes roughly 3 years prior, making her 47-48 years old. Over the past 11 months things have progressed so very rapidly. She has lost all control of…
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Breathe, take time to just breathe
I was watching a Teepa Snow video the other day for the first time. Ed mentions her so often that I thought I would see who she is. One of the things she said was that caregivers often forget to breathe. I've noticed this with new students in my tai chi classes. They are trying so hard and feel stressed and end up holding…
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Chat rooms(4)
Does anyone ever use the chat rooms?? I would like to visit with others there. Sometimes I have the need to connect and just chat.
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Happy Moments
The dementia journey is full of heartbreak. Yesterday I had happy moments sprinkled into the day that I wanted to share. The usual routine in our house is I prepare and serve breakfast for DH, I administer meds, I get DH in the shower, I dress DH and then DH retreats into his man cave to watch the news ALL DAY except when…
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Anyone use the hoyer lift alone?
Hi all, My DH has been bedbound since late Oct. He's still doing well, all things considered. The VA has granted DH 21 hours of respite per week, 3 hours per day. The CNA and I both use the hoyer lift to put DH in his lift chair. Before the CNA leaves for the day, we put DH back in his hospital bed, which is in the LR. I…
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Lifesaver program
I just found out this is offered in our area. If your LO wanders, maybe you should check to see if it's available for you. https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/griffith/fire-departments-urged-to-embrace-lifesaver-program/article_ad5f73b7-7d17-5cfa-a45a-b35ac017e3dc.html
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The 6 stages of caregiving
THE 6 STAGES OF CAREGIVING (Interview with Dr. Koepp)
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Alzheimer Drug Shows Promise
Alzheimer’s Treatments Showing Early Promise https://www.aarp.org/health/brain-health/info-2021/...
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PODCAST W/TRANSCRIPT: How Can You Prepare for the Perils of Aging?
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Thanks to all for being here
I'm a fairly new poster, but I've been lurking here for some time now. I just want to tell you all that this forum is a lifeline for me. I've found better advice here than professionals have provided on many topics. I don't place as much confidence in the seven-stage rating system for dementia as many do, but on a scale…