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Thanks for letting me join this group. I belonged to an on line group and found out my sister was a member and sharing what I wrote with siblings. I felt so violated. I liked the group, most members were helpful and caring.

I'm the sole caregiver for my DH. He is 88 I'm 70. It has been the hardest task I've ever encountered. He has 5 adult children, most live out of state. One lives close by and does give me a break when it's convenient. The others, well they don't even call and when they do visit, they give maybe 4 hours of their fun filled weekend to be with Dad. They say that they're glad and thankful I take care of Dad, my reply, I bet you are. I have accepted the fact, they don't know how to care. One did ask what she could do, I said call your Dad maybe weekly or so. Well not one call. So why even tell or ask.

DH is still able dress and feed himself and find the cookies. Everything else is up to me. Housework, yard work, appointments, car repairs, driving and so many other things I can't even think of right now. Just wanted to share and that I hate this disease.

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Comments

  • charley0419
    charley0419 Member Posts: 432
    100 Likes 100 Care Reactions 100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    New Member

    I feel for you, the age difference alone can make difficult. I’m 76 dw77. My wife not too bad YET! Yes it sucks

  • trottingalong
    trottingalong Member Posts: 561
    Eighth Anniversary 500 Comments 250 Care Reactions 250 Likes
    Member

    I’m 67, DH is 80. I’m thankful I’m younger because I at least have more energy to deal with things that come up. Most days I do pretty good. It’s the boredom that gets to me. I handle all chores, bill paying, etc. it’s difficult for me to get the deep cleaning I want to do and the yard work on our 1 acre property. I love being outdoors. My DH feels guilty he can’t help so he always wants me to hire someone for something I want to do. He also has COPD and gets out of breath easily.

  • Denise1847
    Denise1847 Member Posts: 879
    500 Care Reactions 500 Likes 500 Comments 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Welcome Sally. We are glad you are here. Perhaps you have already run across posts that advise you to:

    get a certified elder attorney to get your finances in order and a POA

    Read the "36 hour day"

    View Tam Cummings and Tepa Snow on You Tube.

    Look for the post on this site entitled "the Calvary Isn't Coming."

    These will help, and yes, it is a terrible disease for all involved. Stay connected and take one day at a day.

  • jfkoc
    jfkoc Member Posts: 4,179
    Legacy Membership 2500 Comments 500 Likes 100 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    Another welcome!

    Please make certain your sign in name is in no way revealing.

  • JDancer
    JDancer Member Posts: 496
    Fourth Anniversary 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes 100 Comments
    Member

    Sally56-Welcome to our forum. My DH also has no trouble finding the cookies. Your comment made me smile, thanks for that.

  • Sally56
    Sally56 Member Posts: 24
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    No way anyone could guess my user name. Thank you.

  • Sally56
    Sally56 Member Posts: 24
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    Yes we already talked to an attorney and papers being made now.

    I need to get the 36 hour book and im familiar with Teepa and I'll look up that link you shared. Can't learn enough. Thank you.

  • Sally56
    Sally56 Member Posts: 24
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    I don't get bored, I keep busy with things I like. I paint crafty items, weave baskets and latest is creating sourdough bread. I do it all or hire someone cuz his adult son doesn't see the need. We have 10 acres and I plant a garden also.

    Today is going as usual, breakfast and tv. My husband's smokes so watching lit cigs and lighter are always my worry.

    Thanks for replying and hope your day is uneventful.

  • Sally56
    Sally56 Member Posts: 24
    10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member

    It's hard cuz he was so active but not now. I'm glad I'm younger and I know he's glad too

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Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
Read more