Caregiver knowledge

Rrogerts

My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimers around 10 years ago. Both my parents refused help and wanted to do everything themselves and they got by. However my dad got sick in 2019 and ended up in a nursing home and we lost him in 2020. When my dad went into the nursing home that left my mom to care for herself which was not working out. I offered to move in to help my mom out and they agreed. Since that time I have been my moms full time care giver and as the Alzheimers progresses I am finding it harder to figure out what to do and what not to do. I read different articles and such but I just never feel like I am fully understanding. I want to do the best I can for my mom because she deserves it but figuring out what to expect and how to best deal with situations is very confusing. Does anyone have any suggestions for something along the lines of a counselor or doctor that would be able to help guide me through these situations?

Arrowhead

 You’ve probably heard this before and you will hear it again: no one can tell you exactly what to expect. Every patient is different. They all progress faster in some areas and slower in others. The rate of progressions changes from time to time. Sometimes symptoms improve temporarily. Everybody’s experience will be unique. Being a caregiver is a lot like being a parent; by the time you become an expert you’re out of a job. 

If you need advice about something specific this form is a very good place to find answers. There’s always someone who has been in a similar situation. What works for them may not work for you but you keep trying different solutions until you find one that does work.

loveskitties

You might want to call:  call our 24/7 Helpline, anytime day or night at 800.272.3900 and ask to speak to a care consultant.

This is a no cost service provided by the alz.org

Your mom is very lucky to have you watching over her.

roseability

building a team helped me get this far. my i contacted a Geriatric Case Manager who helped out with next steps or referrals at one part of this journey. you can look into that here: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-geriatric-care-manager
 
later i connected with a Senior Care Concierge who really saved me over the last couple of years. she was able to step for the vast majority of tasks i would've been doing on my own. i appreciated referrals for home care and a fiduciary, but things like paying bills or going for a walk. she sat with mom and sorted out a mountain of medical bills, getting them into some order AND managing to keep mom feeling involved without everything turning to chaos? that was magic when i was utterly overwhelmed.
 
here's her website, to get a sense.  https://www.engagebayarea.com/

i also recommend the book How to Care for Aging Parents by Virgina Morris. it's a thick resource guide that'll point you in a good direction when you're not sure about next steps.

kmasenact

Reach out to your local ALZ chapter and they can help you get in touch with Dementia Practitioners like me who can help you find local resources.  Plus, your local ALZ chapter will have more resources to caregivers who specialize in Dementia.

jfkoc

Dementia Practitioner...I am not familiar with that. Would you please share come information.

aod326

Also, google "Understanding the Dementia Experience", by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller. It's a 12-page pdf document with some good strategies.

Read these message boards regularly - you'll get lots of tips here.

Beachfan

jfkoc,

Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) signifies that the holder of  the title has some expertise in Dementia beyond that of the average person.  The marketing director at the facility where I have some interest for the future holds such a title, as does the day-to-day director of a facility where my DH is on a wait list.  I don't know what is involved in securing the designation (coursework, certification, testing, experience, etc.) During a visit to one facility while I was relentlessly questioning about staff, training, procedures, etc., the director made sure to tell me that she was a Certified Dementia Practitioner; I remember that well. 

*Google National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP); there is lots of information there.  

Sean McCormack

Utube "careblazers" amazing videos from Dr. Natalie saved me.  Also Teepa Snow on utube.  All the best on this journey!

jfkoc

Thank you....I was able to look it up. You can become certified after a one day seminar. That's all!

https://www.nccdp.org/cdp.htm

storycrafter

Attend a local Alz support group. Contact your local Council on Aging. There are many resources out there and those in the trenches in your immediate area can offer a fount of helpful practical information.

If you're someplace isolated there are online support group meetings. Contact your county for local info. Keep reaching out and asking questions, keep reading and educating yourself, until you find the help and support you need. Sending best wishes....