Newbie here(2)

kak103

Hey there, 

My father was recently diagosed with dementia/Altzheimer's (almost 80 yrs old) 

He also also suffered from severe massive depressive disorder this past year and last.   My assumption is he has had Altzheimers for longer than we might have known/ diagnosed.  Currenlty, he is living in a personal care facility b/c of his wandering and delusions.  

I am in search of any resources ( books/ articles) that could guide me in what to say/ what not to say // etc when visiting him at his facility. 

This is ALL quite new territory for our family.  My goal is to support him in the best way I know how. 

Thanks so much for any encouragement and guidance. 

harshedbuzz

Welcome to the club nobody wants to join. I am sorry you have a need to be here, but glad you found us.

I found this short PDF the most useful reading for understanding how dad was experiencing this cognitive shift and how to best respond in general terms.

12 pt Understanding the Dementia Experience (dementiacarestrategies.com)

HB

SusanB-dil

i agree with HarshedBuzz - welcome, and 'wish we didn't have to'...  This site has been very helpful to me and I feel fortunate that I found it.

The book, 'The 36-hour Day' is helpful.

Can punch-up other suggestions in web-search, as well, and I have seen other websites mentioned.  You can also go to the top section of this forum and go to "solutions".

Emily 123

I can't recall who saved this entire series of Teepa Snow videos, but it was one of the excellent posters on this forum--I apologize ahead of time to whoever I lifted this from--I use it all the time for family

https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL2E2lPBsUeBjA1Utglo8q6yANAijEf8cX

Dave Cahail

I totally agree with other's responses. The 36 Hour Day is a must read and I love Teepa Snow's videos. My mother had been in AL / MC for nearly 4 years now and I still go back to these resources for advice as she progress. 

I also recommend you join an Alzheimer's caregivers group in your area. I love the support and the ability to share and support others in these monthly meetings.