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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…
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NYTimes Article: NH False Reporting to Medicare.gov Ratings To Increase Their Scores
Five star ratings on Medicare.gov that families depend on when choosing NHs? Not so fast; all may not be what it seems since NHs do their own reporting, providing numbers in data and no one checks its accuracy . . . . . This is something I have ranted about for ages; yet, I still found this lengthy article stunning in its…
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Our family meeting
We had our family meeting yesterday, via zoom. I wanted to bring the family up to date on my wife's progression, in case decisions had to be made if I was not available. Towards the end of the meeting, one of the kids asked me how I was doing with my hypoglycemia. I told them that was one of my big concerns now because I…
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for St Patrick's Day
DW and I are both Irish Citizens so I made O'Key lime pies for her for St Patricks Day
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School, Husband and What to do?
I am a teacher and of course during the past year due to the Covid 19 pandemic I have been teaching from a little corner in my home office. There have been some issues with my DH walking in while I have my class on the screen in Google Classroom and quickly muting and turning off my camera to assist with his needs but for…
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Fall Detection Devices?(1)
Hi all. Now I'm looking into fall detection devices. Some of them seem to have all these services I don't need. IF I am running to the store for 45 minutes (which I can still do), I want him to be wearing a device to monitor falls. I do not need a GPS for location (he's not that mobile, doesn't wander, and I'm usually…
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Confused?
MMy DH has AD , diagnosed 2016. This January I had COVID, so sick! Managed to make it through caring for DH who also was positive. After 14 days and incredible fatigue we were out of quarantine. March 1st I had symptoms of UTI and fever, chills . DH forgets why I am on the couch, or that I am sick.. On my 2nd antibiotic…
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Just someone to talk to about Dementia
Hi I am new to this and have not joined a support group until now. My DH has Parkinson’s with Dementia. He started getting Parkinson’s symptoms around 55 and finally after starting to have hallucinations he had to go to the ER. That was in 2019. So he did not do anything about this until about 6 years, he was scared. He…