Navigating emotions and getting help

angelatgage

Hello,
I'm new to this group. My mom has alzheimer's. She was diagnosed 1.5 years ago. Since then I have put her home in a trust, Found private care for 2 hrs in the morning M-F, and was sending her to an adult program 3 days a week. She's been to the neurologist and had a psych eval. Believe she's in the middle range of her diagnosis. She recently had a fall, fractured her heel and was in rehab for 7 weeks. It was a good facility but I see that she will need more help at home after spending a week with her. I have confirmed another 2 hours, 3 days, early evening with her current care giver, a blessing. I am paying out of pocket and I see it wont be enough support going forward. I applied for a second time for Medicaid and I'm in the early waiting stage. I, like many have 2 children, a spouse and a job, sandwich generation. I reached out to child and family services and have been waiting for nearly 1 year for someone to come for a few hours of free help per week. Does anyone have suggestions or resource info on how to find free, safe help? (the answer we all want-I know!) Also is there a link to zoom meetings for adult children, sandwich generation support group I can join? I only found one offered on a day/time I have another commitment. Feeling sad and overwhelmed and I know I'm not even in the thick of it yet. Thanks. A

jen ht

Hi A,

Others will also share. I am still pretty new to this myself. I wanted to see if you have considered calling the 24 hour line. They have really helped me especially at transition moments when the uncertainty of next steps and options were heavy on my mind. They also send follow up resources based on your requests during the conversation.

I am wishing you well.

24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900

Take care,

jen

psg712

Maybe also try your local Association on Aging to find additional in-home care options. Alzheimers Association may be able to help you find support groups in your area.

I'm right there with you in the sandwich generation with full time work, preteen son, and a husband. Those responsibilities and relationships, and the realization of how dementia caregiving impacts them, led me to place my mom in a memory care unit. She is ten minutes from my home, I'm very involved in her plan of care, the staff know I drop in at random times, and I appreciate and support their work with her.

Not to say this is the right solution for you or anyone else, just sharing my experience. It's still tough to see her struggle, but the facility allows me to be her daughter and advocate instead of her constant caregiver. She started out as private pay but we will likely be looking at Medicaid before long too. I wish you the best in your search for solutions for your mom.

kblau

you sound like a very proactive organized daughter. Hang in there. You’re doing great.

angelatgage

Thank you all for the support. I appreciate it and will look into your suggestions.

A