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Female spouse w/young kids looking for mom in similar situation?
I'd love to find a caregiver like myself to exchange texts with, like our own mini support group. This is likely too specific, but ideally it would be a woman whose partner is in the early stages of Alzheimer's (like, very very early stages where most people can't tell) and whose kids are still living at home (our kids are…
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Informing others of diagnosis
I was wondering if I should mention to acquaintances that my DH is showing signs of Alzheimer’s. Sometimes we meet up with friends we haven’t seen in a long time and my DH has gotten to the point where he has very little to say or when he does say something it shows his memory is not normal. I don’t know whether to mention…
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I’m so confused
My husband has been declining physically and I believe, mentally. He used to be so strong, capable, easygoing and sensible. He now can no longer walk with me. Only a few years ago, I had a hard time keeping up with his pace, but now even at a stroll, he lags behind and is always worried about falling. He is not disabled,…
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How to disentangle adult children
This is my second post today b/c I’ve finally built up the courage to once again pour out my heart and soul to you, my anonymous brothers and sisters in caregiving. I’ll just say it: once you think everything is under control, you realize it’s not. I can’t help thinking that I should put DH in MC or NH sooner rather than…
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Private vs Companion Room
I’ve been touring MC facilities and many offer a choice between private and companion rooms with rates that reflect a higher cost for the private room. I’d always assumed I would just suck it up and pay for the private room because I figured my DH would not be comfortable with a roommate. On a recent tour, the guide made a…
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Caregiving Documentary on PBS
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I want to scream and cry
DH is 61. I am 55. We started this journey of finding out what is happening in 2019. We have been through so much testing. Lab work, CSF (borderline for AD) we have even driven to Cleveland Clinic several times for testing. MRI’s 2 years apart showed progression of atrophy in the left temporal lobe. Recent Amyloid PET was…
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Bonkers
I’ve been wanting to write but couldn’t muster the energy to frame everything that’s happened since I last posted so I decided I’ll just start in the middle…that takes less focus! My son suggested yesterday that my life would be “ten times easier” if I did not have a dog. He is right. I spend an inordinate amount of time…
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Why do PWD get so weak so quickly when they get a virus?
My DH has had some off and on symptoms - he vomited at dinner twice - but a full week apart, and has had some loose bowels. On Wednesday he was fine - went out with his companion and played pool, checkers, etc. Then Wednesday night he vomited at dinner again and had diarrhea twice over night. On Thursday morning, his…
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I’m going crazy out of my mind!
My DH is at the point where finding ways to fill up the day are getting excruciatingly difficult. He no longer is interested in puzzles, which used up a couple of hours a day. He no longer takes care of the yard which gave me a little time alone. We go for walks but two problems have come up with that activity - 1) it’s…
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My DH thinks there are four of me living in our home.
DH is convinced there is a group of us (his wife and her imposters) living in our house. Do any of you have a partner/spouse/LO who suffers from "imposter syndrome" or Capgras Syndrome? I am new to the world of dementia/Alzheimer's. I don't even know if what my DH has is dementia or Alzheimer's. What I do know is that my…
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Travelers to Unimaginable Lands
Sending best wishes to everyone. It’s two years since I joined this forum and since I’ve given up paid work entirely to care for my DH with Alz. Thinking back and looking at photos, it’s at least 5 years since he’s been certifiably loopy. It took me almost all this time to really get a handle on things & I know things will…
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DH getting weaker
My hubby has been treated for metastatic prostate cancer for 2 years. Last week we learned the Eligard is not working as well so we need to add another medication. This will likely make him weaker than he already is. Walking more than a few feet is already difficult so we have chairs everywhere he may need to sit and rest.…
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Short term memory gone now what?
Curious if there is stage where short term memory is just gone? DH has been declining with his short term memory but the past week it’s just not there! The verbal cues aren’t working, or verbal suggestions. Thought I’d have him literally write a list of 3 to-do’s , read it with him, asked what he will do first, got a reply…
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Unhappy Anniversary
Today is our 13th wedding anniversary. Last year DW jumped out of bed and gave me a big kiss and wished me a happy anniversary. This morning I told her happy anniversary and she had no reaction just continued to talk about something that made no sense. I guess this year is the beginning of unhappy anniversaries for me.…
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Cannot post on Lorita's porch thread - technological issues
I have contacted the administrators. I am not able to type in & post anything on your thread. I have refreshed the site and my computer - no luck. Also, when I just went into the thread, I could read but there were no names. It just said "Member." This is only on your thread - crazy. BethL
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Just need to talk to my friends ,(206) June 2025
Thanks for reminding me. Just now started to read. Been waiting for Bryon to come to mow but he hasn't. I'm worried that something may have happened to.him because he is always so dependable. Maybe he was mowing somewhere else and hasn't finished. Thanks, Carl, I'm pretty well today but not up to par. Something has…
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GUIDE Program - Medicare & Medicaid
starts July 2025
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Can’t figure out where he wants to go
The last few days DH has been trying to tell me about a place he wants to go, and for the life of me I can’t figure out what he’s talking about. His aphasia is so bad I can’t even make a guess. I have asked him questions to help clarify but that just leads to more nonsensical sentences. He describes it differently at…
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He's forgetting how to eat
and even what food is…at least that is how it seems. I eat lunch with him on Sundays at the MC. For the last two weeks, when they bring his tray he just sits there and looks at it until I tell him to eat it. Then he looks at me and asks what he is supposed to do. This Sunday, I picked up his fork and put a piece of chicken…
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Doesn’t want to go anywhere
My DW doesn’t want to visit family or friends both locally and long distance anymore. I’m thinking it because maybe she doesn’t remember them. Half the time she asks me what my name is. Should I just not worry and take her anyway. I’ve read that changes aren’t good. Maybe I should just accept that our days staying home are…
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Lorazepam
My DH, 75 yo stage 6, living at home in hospice, was recently prescribed Lorazepam to help with nighttime agitation. Does anyone have experience with this? He sleeps the better part of the day and used to sleep all night as well, but lately he is active and busy until midnight or later — folding and refolding blankets,…
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Sleep pattern is a mess
my DH spent 3 nights in the hospital and returned home yesterday. While there, they gave him Seroquel at bedtime and it helped a lot with sleep. I could tell he had slept because when I saw him each day he was alert, upbeat, and didn’t nap at all during the day. A great relief because he wasn’t sleeping much at night when…
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Give me your dollar!
I came home from burying my wife today to find a recorded phone message dunning me for payment of an ambulance bill that is on my desk and due two weeks from now, June 16. The provider is the Sisters of Mercy, an order of Catholic nuns who purport to be a nonprofit faith-based organization. This is what the USA has instead…
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MC 1 week and major decline
I did finally place DH in MC. The building up to it was gut wrenching, however, after I felt a sense of relief knowing he has 24/7 and me some freedom. The first few days went well. Evenings somewhat challenging but not too bad. Suddenly everything changed. DH angry outbursts early afternoon. He goes in and out of every…
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Does Detailed Diagnosis Really Make a Difference?
I am struggling with some issues related to my DH, who was diagnosed with "amnestic mild cognitive impairment" late last year (72 years old with a lot of chronic health issues). I don't really have any prognosis beyond this umbrella term, but I'm beginning to think that maybe it's enough for now. His regimen of medications…
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It is the little things
As a caregiver for my DH, who has mixed dementia, I can no longer work full-time, and I haven't been in a restaurant for over a year. I mostly get out of the house when I can bring my husband with which is a challenge and can be exhausting. Recently, I have been sneaking out of the house early in the morning or late at…
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Things can change quickly
A short while back, my DW was enrolled in Hospice Care. But, 3 months later it was determined she was not declining fast enough, so she "graduated" out of Hospice Care. 5 short weeks later... Today, she was enrolled back into Hospice Care. During those 5 weeks, she lost 16 pounds. As of today, she has had almost no food…
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The Caregiver’s Brain
Greetings Friends, I have not posted here in six months. My wife’s dementia has been moving at a snail’s pace. The days, weeks, and months have melded into a fuzzy blob of time, and one day is exactly like all the others. I am nine and a half years into care giving, and the word “decade” will soon be added to the divisions…
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Love and Loss in Alzheimer’s
My Journey with this horrible Alzheimer’s disease is coming to an end now that my sweet wife of 55 years, Linda, has died on May 31st, 2025. I have learned so much about how to navigate this process over these past few years and am grateful to each of you who has shared their thoughts, experiences and advice. My life will…