Just starting caregiver journey

attiepay

My 85 year old dad is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. I am looking for information/resources for becoming his caregiver as he progresses into other stages. The perfect scenario for me would be keeping in his home as long as possible. My 84 mom is currently doing remarkably will with him, but I know eventually it will be too much for her. So, I want to learn what I need to do become his caregiving and what to expect in these stages. Going from daughter to caregiver. Bathing, diapers, feeding. Etc. Perhaps his stages won't progress too quickly, but I want to be ready. If that's even possible.

I live in Minnesota and I seem to be having a difficult time finding what I am looking for.

I appreciate any information/advise/words of wisdom you can offer.

Enjoy this day 🌹 Pattie

harshedbuzz

Hi and welcome.

This is not a job one person can do 24/7. Your mom is going to need considerable respite given her age. You should also have a plan B. Things could change in an instant. Your dad could suffer a stroke and be unable to ambulate or assist in transfers. Your mom's health could take a turn. You could have an accident or medical issue that precluded you helping. Best to have a plan in your back pocket for that.

Some people have gone the route of taking training to become certified as a home health aide or practical nurse but most learn on the job. Teepa Snow has some terrific videos on youtube.

HB

Ed1937

Teepa Snow and Careblazers videos are both excellent, and can be found on youtube. I'm giving you a link to another excellent source for reading about dementia. If you can't click on the chapter headings, look toward the bottom of the page for the arrows. Those will work. https://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/210580/1/understanding-the-dementia-experience#hlangandcommun  

Of course reading all you can read on the older posts here will be very helpful too. And local issues can often be found on local support groups.

Emily 123

What would the perfect scenario be for your mother?

Consider her needs now and reassess them often. Plan that she will have support set up for the following, if she doesn't already: meal preparation, laundry, cleaning, indoor/outdoor upkeep, breaks to get out of the house or socialize.

A move to assisted living now, while your dad can adjust, would provide more support for your mom. It's not for everybody, but it's a thought.

towhee

Being ready is a moving target, and it is the experience of most that coping with behavior in the moderate stages around dressing, bathing, medications, and just generally that they believe they are doing things one way when they are not, usually comes before the physical tasks of incontinence care and feeding. For the middle stages you have been given good sources, Teepa Snow and Dementia Careblazers, and the article link. I will add the book, The 36 Hour Day. This site might be helpful Daily Care - Family Caregiver Alliance. For specific CNA skills you can check out youtube or google. You want the name of the skill and you want a site that is .edu or .org A lot of community colleges post course materials, although the quality of instruction varies a great deal. Your local Area Agency on Aging might have resources. Do be aware of what Home Health Aid resources are in your area, and what rehabs are available and their quality. When you need them you will likely not have time to research.

Do not forget financial and legal considerations. DPOA, HPOA and how to use them are very important.

Right now, you might want to concentrate on supporting your mom. One step at a time.

gangemi5ft2

Another aspect to think about. Make sure your parents have all their accounts in order. Make sure all the beneficiaries are up to date and that their will/estate is up to date. Once a POA is filed, they don't have power to change anything.
This is something my parents are working on right now becuase my mom has mid-stage Alzheimers.