Grief/ Homecare/ Virtual Support Groups

Marcee

Hi Everyone,

I introduced myself a couple of months ago and then never came back.  I've been in overdrive trying my best to prepare for this change in our lives.  I've made some progress, but mostly I am in a waiting game which I am not good at.  I feel so helpless.

DH received an original diagnosis of possible Vascular Dementia with Alzheimers.  We waited months to get the Alz testing done then several weeks for the results.  We've been sent the results - we now know that he does not have Alz, just VD.  But we still have yet to speak to the doctor.  We waited weeks for our appointment, just to have it moved out another week.  Sigh.

In the mean time, DH is slowly slipping.  He had his first episodes of delirium a few days ago.  Three times that day.  My beautiful, brave husband is now a frightened child and I am grieving. 

I've been called back to work 2 days per week and need to hire homecare but can't afford much. Because of my salary we don't qualify for Medical and IHHS.  Choosing an agency is daunting - is anyone good enough to take care of my husband in my home when I am not here?  

My therapist wants to me to get into a virtual or phone support group but I can't find one anywhere.

Frustrated and grief stricken - suggestions are welcome.  

Thank you,

Marci

Ed1937

Marci, look toward the top of the page for "Solutions". Click on that, then select "Community Resources". Click on "Community Resource finder". Then "Programs and events". Then you can enter your zip code to see which groups are available now.

If you don't find anything you want, come back here. You will get a lot of support here, even though it is not local. I'm sorry it's so hard.

RCT

There is lots of free help available….I Zoom with a local caregiver support group. Anyone can join. Private message me if you would like the info. I am also seeing an Anticipatory Grief counselor through Hospice. 4 free sessions. Am sure you are overwhelmed  and am sending prayers.

MaryG123

You can check your local council on aging and the hospital as well for support groups Marcie.

Kenzie56

Marci, hang in there!  The waiting game for test results is like slow torture.  Keep in mind, you may not know the exact type of dementia from these tests...neurologists use them to rule out certain things and give you the best diagnosis they can with the information they have.  With that said, the information the others have given you is great to help you navigate this horrible journey we are all on. I learn so much on this site and find over the years it is often a trail and error learning curve to see what works.  When my husband was diagnosed with mixed dementia (VD & Alz), I read as many books and articles as I could find - I still do.  It helped prepare me for the dips and plateaus...but there are still so many things that pop up and surprise me. I am grateful for people on this site that talk about their situation and for those that respond with possible "solutions".  I give most of them a try. I hope you find a support group to help you and I also hope the doctors become a little more responsive to your needs. Sending a virtual hug.