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Rasheeda77
Rasheeda77 Member Posts: 2
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Hello All - I am taking care of my 80 year old mother who was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's last year. She has lived with my wife and I since 2024. She has had noticeable behaviors since 2022 when our dad passed away. Mom has progressed to the point where it is not safe to leave her home alone for extended periods in the day. I am looking for support, helpful ideas and ways to navigate as she progresses. It has been very hard to be a caregiver because I do not have help.

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  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 2,211
    1,000 Likes 1,000 Insightfuls Reactions 500 Care Reactions 1000 Comments
    Member

    Welcome. Many have put cameras up in the house to help monitor their loved one while they are home alone. You can search this in the discussions and I think you will find a few threads. There is always the option of a hired caregiver while you are away, but this is expensive. If money is an issue you might see if she qualifies for Medicaid. In some states Medicaid may cover the cost of some limited in home care. What is covered and how to qualify varies by state. I will attach a link. You might also check with your local commission on aging. They can point you in the direction of available resources and helpful agencies. Do you have durable power of attorney? This is very important. If not I would look into it as soon. If you think there is any chance that you might need to move her into a facility down the road, you should keep in mind some places do have a waiting list. I hope something here was helpful. Welcome to our group, sorry you need to be here.

    https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/medicaid-eligibility-income-chart/

  • Michele P
    Michele P Member Posts: 511
    250 Likes 250 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Comments 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    Welcome. If there is an Oasis Senior Services in your area, contact them. They offer free services to caregivers. They will assist with finding in home care and out of home placement. I would do this immediately to get her on a waitlist. These facilities are often at full capacity with long waits without being on a wait list. If you have not read The 36 Hour Day, I highly recommend it. It will help you understand and navigate this disease.

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