New here- need advice

Pampankey

My mom passed away in November and she was my dad’s caregiver who have ALZ. She was at a loss in how to help him or deal with his issues as she was having health issues herself resulting in her passing. I am an only child and she hid how bad my dad’s dementia had gotten. I am at a loss myself. He confuses me with her constantly. Went to doc last week and they added a new med for dementia. I feel like I am going crazy. He doesn’t trust me or believe anything I say.

DCCEPEK

Sorry for what you're going through and the loss of Mom. You're not alone. Keep reading and educate yourself, take care of yourself.

What meds is he on?

Pampankey

Aricept and the new one is Namenda. His hallucinations at night started 2 weeks ago and he got scared of being in his home now. Doc said new meds could take a bit to affect him. I don’t know where to start. I feel so lost.

M1

Welcome to the forum and I am sorry for your loss of your mom. Many times when the caregiver dies first it only then becomes clear how much they were propping up the person with dementia.

Don't be shy about asking the doc for additional medications for his delusions and anxiety, aricept and namenda won't necessarily help and can in fact cause bad dreams and nightmares. He may need an atypical antipsychotic like Seroquel or Risperdal, you should definitely ask and if they are reluctant ask for referral to a geriatric psychiatrist.

Do you have power of attorney for your dad? That also needs to be on your agenda.

Pampankey

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/194196#Comment_194196

Yes all that was taken care of when my mother was first sick. I have POA for health and business matters. House is also deeded in my name.