New caregiver looking for advice

WendyBAbq

Our neighbor was diagnosed with early/moderate Alzheimer's in March 2022.  She has no one to help her except myself and three other neighbors.  I have become her primary caregiver this past summer.  She is living by herself but we help her with meds/doctor appts, finances, groceries etc. I am trying to educate myself as quickly as I can so I can provide the best support to her and to me and my neighbors. Yesterday, she told me in detail about a two hour phone call she had with an old family friend she had been named after.  But there was no record of any phone call on her phone.  Has this happened to others love ones and should we be concerned?

Rick4407

Welcome Wendy,  

Yes there is much to be concerned about.  Her dementia will only get worse and behaviors that are dangerous to herself or others are certainly possible.  You do not have any legal authority which is a whole other issue.  Most places have an office (city, county, or state) that deals with and protects the vulnerable elderly.  You should seek out a social worker from that agency for assistance.  Elder orphans is a new area I've seen recently mentioned in the press.  It's a growing population of elderly with no family and with limited resources to care for themselves.

Reading lots of posts here will give you an idea of some of the potentials for this terrible disease.  Reach out for help on her behalf.  She may become a ward of the state which is not ideal but significantly better than just declining until something bad happens.  Good luck, Rick    

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