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New diagnosis - how to help our Dad understand it?

cla-2019
cla-2019 Member Posts: 8
First Comment
Member
[Reposted to caregiver forum] Hi, our Dad was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's and we're looking to help him understand what this means/how it will change some of what he needs. Is there someone—a clinician, a social worker, or a group that we can go to in order to have an open conversation, where he (and we) can ask questions about his diagnosis and what care needs it implies? We have serious concerns about him living alone but he definitely has anosognosia, not remembering all of the times and things he forgets, and so it's tough to have productive conversations about moving into a more supported situation. His PCP is NOT a Geriatrician, nor has he been with that doctor for long (he has only seen my Dad since the decline had already noticeably occurred), and the PCP is also not local.

I've been finding lots of caregiver support groups, but I would love something for him and us together, ideally that can get a bit more specific about where he, in particular, is at and what he needs, both now and likely in the future.

Thanks.

Comments

  • Iris L.
    Iris L. Member Posts: 4,454
    Legacy Membership 2500 Comments 500 Likes 250 Care Reactions
    Member

    Welcome cla. Since your dad has anosognosia, you will have to learn work-arounds from the members. If you repost on one of the Caregiver boards, you will receive many pertinent responses. Ask a lot of questions of the members, they are knowledgeable and willing to share.

    Iris

  • cla-2019
    cla-2019 Member Posts: 8
    First Comment
    Member

    Thanks Iris, and thanks for catching that I've posted in the wrong spot, as I didn't realize.

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