I want to offer help to my partner but I don't know what to do.

WantingToHelp

Hello, my partner's uncle has started to show the signs of early stage Alzheimer's and while I have had family members experience this in the past never someone as close as they are with their uncle. He lives in a different city and while they are trying to spend as much time there as they can I want to help however I can and try and better understand what it is they will be going through as his condition progresses. I try to offer help but I don't know what specifically I can offer to make things easier for them. Any perspective or advise you can offer would be appreciated.

Thank you

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/74328/i-want-to-offer-help-to-my-partner-but-i-dont-know-what-to-do

welcome. Sorry about your partner’s uncle. To help, learn all you can about the disease. Share that with your partner. If your partner is going to be the caregiver the uncle needs to move close. He should no longer be left alone. He should not be driving. As the disease progresses he will need 24/7 care. Your partner should plan for that. Your partner needs to get legal affairs in order. A DPOA. Medical POA and HIPPA forms. See an Elder law Attorney for that. Read the book “The 36 Hour Day” then search online for dementia caregiving videos by Tam Cummings and Teepa Snow. You or your partner come here often for info and support. The Alzheimer’s Association has a toll free number you can call for specific resources in your area. It’s at the bottom of the page.

H1235

Welcome. All the above is true. But family can have a difficult time coming to these conclusions. Be cautious not to give too much advice. Even if you believe he shouldn’t be driving tread carefully. My mil drove much longer than she should have. With five children and me being the in-law, I bit my tongue and stayed out of it. It still doesn’t hurt to learn all you can and is your partner seems open to resources then definitely share. The DPOA is very important if your partner doesn’t have it yet. Things down the road will be considerably more difficult without it. I have attached some resources that I think may be helpful.

DBAT.pdf

understanding-the-dementia-experience 4.pdf