Fairly new to this dementia thing...

btc1951

Just for some background, my DH's geriatrician recently diagnosed him with vascular dementia, based on the fact that he had a stroke 3-1/2 years ago. At the time we were told that the only outcome of the stroke was aphasia (word finding difficulty). Since that time he has become disabled due to a bad fall resulting in a broken femur, and a massively long surgery that placed a 20 year old hip replacement with a new one. Even after 2 months of inpatient PT, he has never walked since. So his life is spent in his recliner, wheelchair and bed. I'm fortunate to have 24/7 caregivers (thanks to long term care insurance), but adding cognition issues to what he already has is like a perfect storm. He's also been incontinent since the surgery. He's been on palliative care for the last 1-1/2 years, and I will be discussing a swith to hospice at home with his palliative care nurse next Monday. After doing a ton of research, we feel he should meet the criteria for acceptance into hospice.

I learned about this site from the Duke Caregiver's Conference earlier this month so I thought I would post and introduce myself.

RetiredTeacher

Welcome to this fabulous site, it has been so helpful for me. I'm sorry your circumstances landed you here. Each of our stories are different but we all share commonalities. May this site give you the support and commaraderie you need. My DH has had several strokes, VD and struggles with mobility. It is such a comfort to have this resource, caring, knowledgeable people who truly understand where we're coming from. Thank you all who walk this journey with us and help us every step of the way.

Timmyd

Welcome to this site. Thank you for sharing your story. Please feel free to post any questions you may have. I have gotten really good advice from the people here with actual lived experience with the problems I face.

SDianeL

welcome. So sorry about your husband’s diagnosis. Glad he is getting evaluated for hospice. They offer so much help including counseling. The people here understand what you are going through. Come here often. You are not alone.